<span class="" id="parent-fieldname-description"> NSW transport minister Gladys Berejiklian late last week announced the commencement of geotechnical works on the Newcastle light rail project. </span> <div>“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of delivering important infrastructure projects for this state, and this is another important stage in the revitalisation of Newcastle,” Berejiklian said. <br /><br />Geotechnical works began this past weekend along the light rail route to assess above and below ground conditions and identify services including electrical, telecommunications and stormwater.<br /><br />“This work will provide important information to feed into the Newcastle Light Rail design and planning work,” she said.<br /><br />Consultants GHD and RPS Manidis Roberts will soon begin detailed environmental studies. The work includes technical studies, field investigations and consultation with the community to identify the possible impacts and mitigations for construction and operation of light rail.<br /><br />The companies have previously worked on the Inner West Light Rail Extension in Sydney and Canberra’s Capital Metro light rail service, as well as major transport projects in the Hunter. The contract was awarded following a competitive open tender.<br /><br />The environmental assessment studies will include heritage, visual and urban design, noise and vibration, social impacts, air quality and traffic, and access.<br /><br />“Newcastle light rail will provide a service through the CBD, connecting the new transport interchange at Wickham with the beach.<br /><br />“Newcastle residents and businesses have said they want better access to the waterfront, improved public domain and the option to extend the light rail in the future.<br /><br />“The light rail route will serve the main activity areas of the city and improve connections so locals and visitors can enjoy all that Newcastle has to offer.<br /><br />“During the environmental planning process, consultation will play an important role in finalising the design for Newcastle Light Rail.”<br /><br />Berejiklian said this consultation will build on engagement already undertaken during the public display of the Review of Environmental Factors (REF) for the Wickham Transport Interchange.
