STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Hybrid for Canberra Light Rail

The Canberra Light Rail Project is one of the most significant transport infrastructure investments in the ACT, delivering a modern light rail network connecting Gungahlin to Canberra’s City Centre. Stage One includes a 12km corridor and 13 stops, forming the foundation of a long-term transport vision expected to span more than 20 years.

Sustainable, High-Performance Acces Pit Solutions for Urban Rail Infrastructure

To support this large-scale urban rail project, Cubis Systems partnered with Canberra Metro Construction to design and deliver an innovative underground access pit solution capable of meeting strict load, dimensional and security requirments.

Faster Deliver. Safer Installation. Long-Term Infrastructure Performance

The STAKKAbox™ ULTIMA Hybrid delivered measurable benefits across program delivery, safety, cost efficiency and long-term asset performance. Rapid on-site assembly enabled multiple large pits to be installed in a single day, supporting the accelerated construction schedule across all zones while reducing overall installation time. 

The lightweight, modular system eliminated the need for heavy lifting machinery, specialist builders and complex backfill processes. This significantly reduced labour intensity, plant requirements and associated site costs, while also improving safety outcomes through lower manual handling risks and fewer plant movement in high-traffic urban environments. 

Class D load-rated performance combined with secure cover systems ensured long-term protection of critical HV electrical and communications infrastructure, safeguarding network reliability. Faster installation also reduced traffic management requirements and site disruption, delivering improved outcomes for the surrounding community. 

Importantly, the modular design provides a scalable, repeatable solution aligned with the staged expansion of Canberra’s light rail network. Positioning the ULTIMA Hybrid as a future-ready access solution for major rail infrastructure projects across Australia. 

 

Challenges

The project required high-load, secure access pits within tight track slab clearances, ammodating multiple HV, LV and communication services.

With an accelerated construction program across multiple urban zones, traditional precast systems lacked the flexibility and installation speed required.

Solution

Cubis Systems engineered the STAKKAbox ULTIMA Hybrid, a modular composite system with integrated concrete reinforcement, designed specifically for constrained rail environments.

Flas-packed for efficient delivery and raiply assembled on-site, the system delivered Class D load performance, enhanced lateral strength and secure asset protection, without heavy lifting machinery or specialist installation crews.

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