Construction on Sydney’s light rail begins in less than four months with a plan established for minimal disruption to commuters, motorists and businesses.
Light rail will transform the city with fast, reliable journeys from Circular Quay through the CBD to south east Sydney’s sporting and entertainment precincts, medical facilities, education and business areas.
Major construction begins at Moore Park in September 2015, with construction beginning on George Street between King and Market Streets beginning October 23.
Reducing the impact of construction
Measures to help reduce the impact of construction work include:
• Staggered construction on a ‘get in, get out’ basis to minimise disruption to businesses and residents.
• Staged construction across 31 zones with no one zone affected for the entire period.
• Individual CBD construction zones will be impacted for between eight and 13 months before being handed back for public use.
Assisting bus commuters
The closure of George Street to buses means customers’ stops will move to other bus corridors including Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street, Park Street, Druitt Street, Clarence Street and York Street.
The introduction of a new bus timetable on 4 October will provide bus commuters plenty of time to familiarise themselves with the new timetable before it is implemented.
Keeping Sydney moving
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Duncan Gay said the government was throwing everything into alleviating pressure.
“We’re appointing a central body, putting work on hold where we can carry out supporting road upgrades before construction starts,” Mr Gay said.
“We know this is going to be a difficult period of change but we’re Sydney and we’re used to rising to the challenge – I know light rail will be no exception.”
Key major construction dates
Major construction means excavation works, rebuilding roads and laying tracks. Work will continue on technical fit out and the construction of individual platforms after this time but will be confined to narrower corridors and will be significantly less intrusive.
Pedestrian access will be maintained throughout construction as will local vehicle and emergency vehicle access. East-West crossings of the CBD will also be maintained.
Key dates
September 2015, construction access for Moore Park West Corridor
October 2015, CBD works start
January 2016 start of Randwick branch
February 2016, start of Kingsford branch
August 2016 start of work in Surry Hills
September 2016, completion of the first pedestrian zone block in George Street
May 2017 completion of final pedestrian zone block in George Street
September 2017, start of the final work zone along the route (Elizabeth St to Chalmers St)
September 2017, arrival of light rail vehicles
April 2018, completion of major civil construction; ongoing works continue to finalise the installation of electronic systems and construction of platforms
June 2018, testing commences
Visit the Sydney Light Rail website for more information