Sydney’s Light Rail Network to Begin Construction

Sydney’s brand new light rail system will enter construction in October this year. Sydney-siders will need to brace for commuting changes affecting many areas throughout the city.

The light rail system will stretch over 12 kilometres from Circular Quay to Kensington and Randwick and is intended to alleviate congestion and improve public transport infrastructure taking into consideration future population growth.  Once in operation, the light rail network will be able to transport 450 people and will take 220 buses off CBD roads.

The new system will feature a first for Australia by way of a ‘turn up and go’ service. This ‘turn up and go’ service will run every 4 minutes during peak hour and every 8 minutes on each branch light rail line.

 “Sydney can’t accommodate the 1600 buses that enter during the morning peak now, let alone provide for more in the future. We’ve been elected to get on with the job of transforming NSW through major transport projects such as the North West Rail Link, Sydney Rapid Transit, WestConnex and NorthConnex and light rail in the Sydney CBD and Parramatta”, said Andrew Constance, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure.

What do Commuters & the Public Need to Know Now?

2015

The College Street Cycle-way will be removed in the lead-up to construction.

Construction access for Moore Park West Corridor will be established in September.

On October 4^th, a new bus timetable will be introduced to minimise traffic delays.

On October 23^rd, CBD construction work will start on George St and between Market and King Streets.

Other Construction Affected Sydney Areas from 2016 Onwards

2016

January - start of Randwick branch.

February - start of Kingsford branch.

August - start of Surry Hills work.

September - first pedestrian zone block in George Street should be completed.

2017

May - final pedestrian zone block in George Street completed.

September - start of final work zone along Elizabeth St to Chalmers St route.

September - arrival of the light rail trains.

2018

April - major civil construction completion and finalisation of electronic systems installation and platform construction.

June – light rail testing.

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