Light rail construction set to expand through nine blocks of George Street July 2016

Light rail construction count down begins

Light rail construction set to expand through nine blocks of George Street 

The CBD and South East Light Rail construction is in full swing with CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast announced recently that by mid-July George Street, from Circular Quay to Liverpool Street, will be occupied with construction sites as the transformational project unfolds. 

Three more construction zones set to start on George Street by mid-July, with work ramping up to get this project built.

Building light rail down one of the oldest streets in Australia’s biggest city isn’t without challenges. With construction well underway in four sections along George Street already,  progress continues given this challenging environment,.

Major construction of light rail commenced in October 2015 and involved the progressive closure of George Street from King to Park streets to develop a pedestrian zone as part of the project. 

Construction has continued to expand since then to Circular Quay and will now expand towards Chinatown next month. “This is an important milestone for our project with George Street being one of the most complex and important sections of construction. 

Construction is expanding from King Street to Hunter Street on 1 July, Park Street to Bathurst Street and from Bathurst to Liverpool Street on 15 July, forecast to put an additional strain on Sydney.  Disruption is expected and NSW Transport  hank Sydneysiders for continuing to work with us by avoiding the peak travel periods and leaving the car at home. 

As construction of light rail extends towards Central and Surry Hills, the impact on our roads is increasing. Driving may not be the best option. 

NSW Transport recommends that if there is requirement to drive, we advise using College Street, Eddy Avenue, Western Distributor, Cahill Expressway and Cross City Tunnel to move around the CBD, leaving the centre of town free for delivery vehicles, taxis and those that need to be there. “We’ve been working closely with the residents, businesses and the council since this project began to ensure they are fully aware of the impacts of construction and know the best ways to get in and around the city. 

“We’re also using every opportunity to remind visitors, shoppers and tourists that while George Street is changing, it is still very much the heart of our city,” Ms Prendergast said.

George Street construction expansion will include: 

• 1 July: a work site will be established on George Street between King and Hunter streets (zone 4) closing the road to general traffic 
• 15 July: a work site will be established on George Street, between Park and Bathurst streets (zone 7) with the road closed to general traffic
• 15 July: a work site will be established on George Street, between Bathurst and Liverpool streets (zone 8) with the road closed to southbound traffic. A single northbound lane will be maintained for general traffic.
•  East-west corridors, including Bridge and Grosvenor streets, King Street, Market Street and Park Street will predominately remain open during construction. 

Night time and weekend closures will be required to complete intersection work. George Street remains closed to general traffic, between King and Park streets (zone 5 and 6) and to southbound traffic between Grosvenor and Alfred streets (zone 2) and Bridge and Margaret streets (zone 3) in the north of the CBD. 

Further construction along George Street into Chinatown and towards Central Station is expected to commence by the end of 2016. 

Major construction on the 12-kilometre light rail route from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford is expected to be completed and operating by 2019. For more information about the light rail project or travelling around the CBD visit www.mysydney.com.au 

Major construction schedule for the CBD and South East Light Rail project.

From mid July 2016, work will start on George Street between Bathurst and Liverpool Streets (zone 8). This will soon be followed by work between Liverpool and Goulburn Streets (zone 9) in August, and between Goulburn and Hay streets (zone 10) in October.

Key points of support services available to help during the construction include:
* A 24 hour construction response line (1800 775 465) is available for urgent enquiries or complaints relating to construction work taking place. For any other information requests please call our project information line on 1800 684 490 or email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au.

* Freight and servicing support for management of deliveries and servicing of businesses. For more information, contact CBDFreight@transport.nsw.gov.au

* The Office of the Small Business Commission is providing free Small Business Advisors to help plan ahead for the changes occurring across the CBD.  Dedicated advisors are available to assist developing practical solutions. Contact Natalie from the Office of the Small Business Commissioner via 8866 3225 or emailing natalie@clearlybusiness.com.au

For more information:

For project information visit www.sydneylightrail.com.au or Facebook HERE
For the latest on CBD traffic and transport changes, and support initiatives for businesses, visit www.mysydney.nsw.gov.a

For More Travel information
Speak to one of the Travel Choices advisors for further information or set up a workshop, call 1800 632 500, email travelchoices@transport.nsw.gov.au or visit mysydney.nsw.gov.au/travelchoices

For further information about the CBD and South East Light Rail project:
Email HERE / infoline on 1800 684 490 or 24-hour construction Ph: 1800 775 465
Visit the TfNSW Community Information Centre, cnr George and King Street (next to Coles), CBD
Visit the project website HERE  or follow  on Facebook  HERE
For more information on the changed routes, please call South East Community Transport on 8241 8000.