Sydney Light Rail
NewsSeptember 2015
Construction countdown beginsThe countdown to light rail construction in the
Sydney CBD is well underway, with work beginning
in George Street on 5 October and the first George
Street closure, between King and Market streets, on
23 October. Buses will roll out of George Street in the
CBD for the final time on 3 October 2015.
Critical investigative works near Myer and Westfield
on George Street will begin from 5 October.
General traffic will still be able to use George Street
in both directions.
At the start of main construction work on 23 October,
George Street will be permanently closed to general
traffic between King and Market streets. Emergency
and local vehicle access and pedestrian access will
be maintained and signage will direct motorists
through the CBD area.
Construction activity will be minimised from
1 December for the peak shopping season. This will
allow for increases in the available pedestrian area in
the lead up to Christmas.
The 12km light rail route from Circular Quay to
Randwick and Kingsford has been divided into
31 individual zones, to minimise the impacts of
For more information: www.sydneylightrail.com.au
Extensive investigative works such as potholing and geotechnical drilling have been carried out to locate service utilities and identify those to be relocated, to ensure the construction phase runs smoothly.
construction in any one area by allowing for works to
be staged along the route. However, some disruption
during the construction phase is inevitable.
Once completed, the CBD and South East Light Rail
will offer fast, reliable journeys from Circular Quay
through the CBD to South East Sydney’s sporting
and entertainment precincts, medical facilities,
education and business precincts.
News
Major changes will start to happen on
George Street as construction of light rail gets
underway next month. There will be a number of
challenges throughout the construction period
but by early 2019 the construction sites will be
replaced with a fully operational light rail providing
high-frequency ‘turn up and go’ services during
peak periods.
Staying informed is the only way to stay ahead
of the changes. Up-to-date information is released
regularly by Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and the
project team to allow people to plan ahead and
minimise the impact of the construction on their daily
lives. Look out for the Sydney light rail newsletters
and e-updates or visit mysydney.nsw.gov.au or the
project website www.sydneylightrail.com.au.
Extra signage will be in place to
direct motorists around the CBD and electronic
variable message signage will also be used to update motorists on
road changes.
Access for local traffic,
emergency vehicles and pedestrians will be maintained throughout construction. Property
access will also be maintained.
What does this mean for Sydney?
4 October – 22 October Limited works on George Street between Market and King streets.
As Christmas is fast approaching, the team will get an early start on the works in this zone which will involve minor works in front of Myer. General traffic will still be able to use George Street in both directions with lane changes in place.
Important construction dates and traffic changes
23 October – 1 December George Street will be closed to general traffic between Market and King streets.
The work in this zone will increase from 23 October as the main construction work gets underway. It’s expected the work at Myer will be finished by 1 December which will also allow for increases in the available pedestrian area in the lead up to Christmas.
Artist impression of the view of George Street between Market and King streets when major construction begins on 23 October.
September 2015
Preferred driving routes will be
signposted for motorists. Motorists
on the move in the CBD need to be
aware of the upcoming changes and
follow the signage. There will be no
general traffic access on George
Street between King Street and
Market Street from 23 October.
A new CBD bus network begins operating on 4 October. Most
CBD bus routes will be affected, with changes to routes, timetables,
route numbers and bus stops. Buses will operate predominantly
along new priority routes on Elizabeth Street, Castlereagh Street,
Park Street, Druitt Street, Clarence Street and York Street. They
will no longer operate along George Street. Take note of signs at
your usual bus stop and plan a new trip from scratch using the trip
planner at transportnsw.info or by calling 131 500.
Planning ahead is the key to managing the upcoming changes.
Commuters are encouraged to plan their journey from scratch and
allow extra travel time in case of delays.
George Street will be permanently closed to general traffic between King Street and Market Street. An emergency access lane will be provided for emergency services and for access to the loading docks and driveways in this closed section.
3 December – 23 December Works on George Street between Market and Park streets.
From 3 December, work will start in this zone. George Street will be permanently closed to general traffic between King Street and Park/Druitt streets. The east west streets of King, Market and Park/Druitt streets will remain open to general traffic.
Stakeholder engagement has been
a major part of the planning stage for this project and will
continue throughout construction. The project team will keep
stakeholders informed and channel community and business feedback
to the relevant project area. Project contacts
are listed on page 4.
For more information: www.sydneylightrail.com.au
News September 2015
Artist impression of the view of the completed Randwick Stabling Yard from Alison Road showing both the retained existing trees and proposed new trees at mature size.
For more information: www.sydneylightrail.com.au
Randwick Stabling Yard early worksThirty-six light rail vehicles will be housed in the
Randwick Stabling Yard on Alison Road which will
also function as a light maintenance facility. A sound
barrier wall will be built along the Doncaster Avenue
side of the Stabling Yard to protect local residents.
The project team recently met with residents to
discuss the design for the sound barrier wall and the
type of trees to be planted to ensure the wall blends
with the surrounding environment.
Plans for the Randwick Stabling Yard also include a
high voltage substation and an operations control
centre from where the whole network will be
monitored.
Work will start in October 2015 to establish this site.
The early works will include demolition of existing
sheds and structures, relocation of some utilities,
installation of site sheds for construction workers,
temporary fencing and protection of heritage
buildings. During this time, heavy vehicles will
access the site via Ascot Street. The construction
of the sound barrier wall is scheduled to begin in
January 2016.
Randwick light rail terminus to move to High StreetPlans have been announced to move the Randwick
Light Rail Terminus from High Cross Park into a new
High Street plaza, bringing a number of benefits to
the local community.
The proposed new location means the light rail stop
will be closer to the Sydney Children’s Hospital and
Prince of Wales Hospital allowing staff, patients and
visitors better access to the new line.
The decision is part of a wider urban renewal
proposal for the High Street precinct and results
from eight months of collaboration between the
Light Rail team, Randwick City Council, Health
Infrastructure and the University of NSW regarding
various design modifications.
It is also proposed that a transformer, required to
assist in powering the network, will be buried under
a section of High Cross Park rather than remain
above ground as originally planned.
Major works are expected to start on High Street in
November 2016.
Contact detailsEnquiries: [email protected] Project Information Line: 1800 684 49024hr Construction Response Line: 1800 775 465
Community Information Centre Ground Floor, 388 George Street, Sydney (entry on King Street)
For more information about the transport projects transforming Sydney CBD go to www.mysydney.nsw.gov.au
Project website: www.sydneylightrail.com.au
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