Construction crews working on Sydney’s light rail are taking advantage of lower traffic volumes in January to undertake utility works across the new network, while the recent completion of track installation at many zones is enabling the erection of poles and wires that will eventually power the new light rail fleet.
Finishing works will continue this month on the two zones on George Street between King Street and Park Street that were opened-up to the public during the Christmas and New Year period, including paving, systems works, smart pole installation and the construction of the QVB stop.
Utility works are currently being carried out at the intersection of George Street with Bridge and Grosvenor Streets, and will last until January 15, while works at the intersection of George and Hay Streets will last until 29 January.
On Devonshire Street, between Chalmers and Elizabeth Street most construction work has been completed, however telecommunications work, smart pole installation and landscaping works will continue through January.
Underneath Devonshire Street, utility works are being carried out to prepare for the undergrounding of power connections to properties, enabling the removal of power poles and the installation of the light rail poles and wires along the street.
With track installed on Anzac Parade between Todman Avenue and High Street, this section will likewise see electrical and communications undergrounded, with other works to include construction of stormwater drainage and kerb widening along the road.
In Randwick, track, poles and wires are in place on Alison Road between Darley Road and Wansey Road, with the energisation of the substations and overhead wiring soon to be carried out, along with the testing of the two new light rail vehicles currently being housed at the stabling yard.
Track installation work is still underway on Wansey Road between Alison Road and High Street, while at the substation at High Cross Park, electrical equipment, lighting and air conditioning is currently being installed. Following these works, the substation’s geothermal cooling system will be constructed.