The finishing touches are now being made to Sydney CBD’s new light rail network, with tram testing already underway between Circular Quay and Randwick via Town Hall, Central Chalmers Street, and Moore Park.
According to the service provider passengers can expect services to be up and running soon.
Tree pit protections, localised paving and driveway asphalting between Goulburn Street and Hay Street are being finalised.
Utility works at the Hunter Street and Margaret Street intersection are ongoing and road asphalting will be laid in the coming weeks.
Water works are underway at the Park Street and Druitt Street intersection, while stormwater works on Bathurst Street are due for completion by the end of October.
Pedestrian crossing works, bike lane construction and paving works are also nearing completion, including along the busy central Eddy Avenue site.
“As we get ready for services to start in December, Sydneysiders will see more trams every day. Driver training extends into the CBD this week and there will be up to 12 trams out testing day and night, seven days a week,” said Premier Gladys Berejiklian.
NSW Police Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy took the opportunity today to remind road users to exercise caution and adjust their behaviour around the new mode of transport.
“The message for all road users is the same; ditch the distraction, follow the road rules and pay attention.”
“Drivers and operators of heavy vehicles must follow the new traffic signals and always stop on the red. Never turn in front of a tram and do not queue across intersections. Food delivery operators and couriers are also reminded to not ride in the tram corridor,” said Corboy.
The trams are powered by an Alstom developed technology called Aesthetic Power Supply (APS), a “third rail” strip embedded into the ground.
APS is designed so power flows only to parts of the third rail while the light rail vehicle is completely covering them, making the technology safe for pedestrians and motorists.