Almost 55,000 Gold Coast motorists each day will now drive over tracks laid for the light rail system at the busy intersection of High and Nerang Streets in Southport.

After working more than 100 hours in two weekends GoldLinQ crews on the billion-dollar light rail project have completed the installation of tracks at the intersection.

GoldLinQ CEO Phil Mumford said while track had already been laid on other areas of the project, this would be the first time Gold Coast motorists would get to travel over the rails.

“Crews worked around the clock from 6.30pm Friday to 5am Monday on the weekends of 16 to 19 November and 23 to 26 November to ensure the intersection was open to traffic by 6am Monday (26 November),” Mr Mumford said.

“Now we have the first section of tracks laid on the 13km route, and cars can drive over them just like they will be able to at other intersections when the system is operating.”

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said despite recent wet weather, GoldLinQ had managed to install a difficult section of track efficiently during the past two weekends.

“It’s also great to see GoldLinQ’s ‘Love Our City’ campaign coordinating meals for workers from local businesses,” Cr Tate said.

“Five shops in Southport supplied meals, drinks and coffee on site as the crews worked around the clock.

“This section of completed track demonstrates how the light rail system will be safely and efficiently integrated with the existing road traffic network.”

Mr Mumford thanked motorists for their patience during the light rail works and encouraged drivers to continue to use the road network as usual, with normal road rules applying even in the vicinity of light rail tracks.

Existing pedestrian access routes have been maintained around the new section of light rail tracks.

The next intersection works will occur from 6:30pm Friday to 5:00am Monday on the weekends of 30 November to 3 December and 7 December to 10 December 2012, at the intersection of Queen and Nerang Street, Southport, which will be partially closed.

Construction crews will work around the clock to prepare the intersection for tracklaying during the quieter weekend traffic period.