Connecting Communities in the Capital: Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A
Holcim is delivering integrated concrete solutions that combine durability, performance and sustainability for one of Canberra’s key transport projects
The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project is extending the city’s sustainable transport network from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, creating a 1.7 kilometre link between the city centre and Lake Burley Griffin. Delivered by Canberra Metro and jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments, the extension includes three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park. The project enhances public transport accessibility for residents, workers and visitors while supporting active travel through new cycling and walking infrastructure.
“We’re setting new expectations for sustainability. It’s an exciting opportunity to set new standards, not just for this project, but for the ACT as a whole,” says Mia Deans, Sustainability Lead at Canberra Metro.
Beyond improved mobility, Stage 2A incorporates a major stormwater upgrade to help protect the city centre from flooding during increasingly intense rainfall events. This dual focus on connectivity and climate resilience required high-performance materials capable of meeting ambitious sustainability targets while supporting complex civil construction.
A Canberra Metro light rail vehicle travelling along the Stage 2A alignment, extending sustainable public transport from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park.
Installation of Humes FutureCast® precast box culverts on Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A, delivering low-carbon stormwater infrastructure to support the project’s 1-in-100-year flood protection upgrade.
Holcim is supplying the ready-mix concrete required to build the new track alignment and supporting structures, ensuring the project benefits from reliable, durable concrete with consistent workability and strength. At the same time, Holcim’s pre-cast concrete division Humes is contributing FutureCast® box culverts and concrete pipes manufactured with up to 30 percent fly-ash replacement, reducing embodied carbon while maintaining the strength and hydraulic performance needed for long-term flood resilience.
Together, Holcim and Humes are providing an integrated solution that aligns with Canberra Metro’s goal of cutting Scope 3 emissions by 25%. The new stormwater system, designed to handle a 1-in-100-year event, improves flood protection for the city centre and helps safeguard Lake Burley Griffin from polluted runoff.
Stage 2A demonstrates how innovative technology and practical engineering can come together to deliver both carbon reduction and climate resilience. By integrating low-carbon precast products with Holcim’s high-performance concrete supply, we’re supporting Canberra’s transition to a cleaner, more connected future.
Through collaborative projects such as Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A, Holcim and Humes are putting sustainability leadership into action — delivering reliable, low-carbon building solutions that strengthen Australia’s infrastructure and support the shift toward cleaner, more connected cities.
Image credits
Banner photo: Canberra skyline - Daniel Morton on Unsplash; Canberra Light Rail Train - Jack McCracken on Unsplash.
