Work has begun on the Broadbeach-to-Mermaid Beach section of the Gold Coast light-rail network.

The $1.2-billion stage 3 extension of the network will add 6.7km and create eight stations.

The stage will have a travel time of about 17 minutes.

Traffic changes are now under way on the Gold Coast Highway with the focus of work for the next 12 months to relocate and upgrade major water main, sewer and gas infrastructure.

Upgrades to the Southport depot are also part of the stage to accommodate another five trams to be delivered to the service.

When the stage is completed in 2025, the network, which is jointly funded by federal, state and local governments, will comprise 27km of track, from the Helensvale heavy-rail-connection station to Mermaid Beach.

“Gold Coast Light Rail is an essential part of our successful delivery of the 2018 Commonwealth Games, and will play an even more important role in the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Queensland premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

The state government has stood solidly behind the light-rail network despite criticism throughout the project from business, road users and the opposition.

Just last week it celebrated the highest monthly patronage on the network since the pandemic with more than 800,000 trips taken on G:link trams in August.