Green Track Prototype for Light Rail
Work has started to install a green track prototype at the National Arboretum Canberra as a part of Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park.
Green tracks are areas where tracks sit within a bed of specifically selected grass or plants instead of concrete. Green tracks help reduce glare and the urban heat island affect, as well as blending in with surroundings, reducing noise and absorbing rainwater.
The National Arboretum Canberra has been chosen as the location for testing green tracks as it hosts a similar environment that the green track will be subject to as part of Light Rail Stage 2A, this includes minimal shade and being open to the elements.
Construction of the prototype, which has commenced, is expected to be completed in December 2023. Once the installation is complete, the prototype will be on public display for a 12-month monitoring period for the community to preview the design.
The green track prototype will test the suitability of several mixes of grass, groundcover and tree species over the span of all four seasons. Different irrigations systems will also be tested and three types of finishes and groundcover including cobblestones, turf, and low lying plants. At the end of the monitoring period, the prototype will be removed and the area will be reinstated. The imported topsoil and irrigation system will remain in place for future use by the National Arboretum.
The green track prototype is located at the end of Gallery of Gardens.
For more information about the project, visit Light Rail to Woden (act.gov.au)