Engineering, Passenger Rail

Sydney light rail construction ramps up

Sydney CBD light rail. Artists Impression: Transport for NSW

Major light rail construction is well underway in Sydney’s CBD, with work ramping up at the two existing construction zones, and more road closures scheduled over the next three months.

Transport for NSW said on Wednesday that work could accelerate at the two existing road closures on George Street, after “the completion of vital utility investigations”.

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said initial work had helped refine the detailed design for the project.

“As we move through the next two-and-a-half years of construction, contractors will continue to refine work schedules, with some zones expected to start major construction earlier and some later than first earmarked, depending on construction requirements,” she explained.

Prendergast also announced the planned dates for four more sections of George Street to be closed.

The main street will close between Alfred and Grosvenor from March to December, and between Bridge and Margaret from April to December. The already-closed section between King and Park will also be open to pedestrians before the end of the year.

“We are now working very hard to release areas of George Street back to residents, workers and businesses before Christmas 2016 and we will seek to minimise impacts in any zones that are occupied in the lead up to Christmas,” Prendergast said.

“Of course George Street between King and Park streets will be a fantastic pedestrian mall with major construction complete before Christmas – giving Sydney its first taste of what we are creating.”

George Street will also close from Hunter to King between July 2016 and July 2017, and from Park to Bathurst between April 2016 and January 2017.

State transport minister Andrew Constance said the ramp-up in works made 2016,“the year of light rail big build”.

“We have now significantly progressed vital utility investigations along George Street, which has helped refine the detailed design for the project, including determining the exact track location and where the most complex work will need to be done,” Constance said.

“With that greater knowledge, contractor ALTRAC Light Rail has been able to refine the dates for some zones to ensure work is carried out most efficiently and effectively while minimising intrusion.”

ALTRAC, made up of Acciona, Transdev Sydney, Alstom Transport Australia and Capella Capital, is delivering the light rail line, which will run from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station, through Surry Hills to Moore Park, then to Kensington and Kingsford via Anzac Parade, and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.