Light Rail reaches breakthrough moment
The Sydney Light Rail tunnel is one step closer to completion, with the breakthrough site at Moore Park marking the start of construction for a key connection between Surry Hills and the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian marked the milestone today by inspecting progress on this vital link in the project.
“This is an important step forward as we power ahead with building the new light rail,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“This transformative project is really taking shape now with more than 10,000 metres of track laid and the first light rail vehicle set to undergo testing later this year.”
Since April last year, more than 84,000 tonnes of fill has been excavated, and more than 2000 tonnes of Australian steel have been used to build the 517m light rail tunnel underneath Moore Park West.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said the tunnel will make it easier for Sydneysiders to access the Sydney Football Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground.
“The light rail tunnel is a vital part of the project as it provides a direct link between Surry Hills and the Moore Park precinct via the new Eastern Distributor Bridge and under Anzac Parade,” Mr Constance said.
“Constructing the tunnel has been a huge engineering feat, using a cut and cover method under the Moore Park playing fields and a top-down technique underneath Anzac Parade to keep traffic moving above.”
The tunnel breakthrough enables the construction team to finish the tunnel structure underneath Anzac Parade, construct the tunnel portal near the Moore Park stop and install the tracks.