The NSW Government has confirmed major construction of light rail track in Newcastle will be completed on time by the end of September, allowing testing to begin next month.
State transport minister Andrew Constance said the achievement was well timed with the arrival of the first of six light rail vehicles earlier this month.
“A decade ago the people of Newcastle sent the NSW Government a blunt message. Fix our city,” Constance said on September 17.
“It’s a proud moment today to see Hunter Street looking better than ever, record private investment in the city centre, and the first of a sleek, modern transport fleet which will soon be delivering people straight to Newcastle Beach.”
Parliamentary secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald was glad to see a project replace the old heavy rail corridor into Newcastle’s centre, which was controversially removed ahead of construction.
“We’ve connected Newcastle to its harbour after the heavy rail corridor acted like the Berlin Wall for more than 100 years,” MacDonald said.
“Today workers, tourists and families can freely move between the waterfront and the city centre to create more foot traffic and more activity for businesses.”
When it opens, Newcastle’s new light rail system will be Australia’s first completely wireless system.
Catenary-free trams will be powered by on-board batteries, and charged when they stop.
“Making Newcastle’s light rail wire-free is part of a $35 million package from the NSW Government to improve the city’s urban amenity,” MacDonald said.