Sydney CBD Light Rail study gets underway

A detailed transport study will start this week to identify the preferred route for light rail through the Sydney CBD.

Parliamentary Secretary for Transport Penny Sharpe said the work is the next step in the roll- out of Sydney’s $500 million light rail expansion – part of the NSW Government’s ten year Metropolitan Transport Plan.

Transport experts Parsons Brinkerhoff, with assistance from leading architectural firm The Cox Group, were today engaged to undertake the study.

“Introducing a new mode of transport in the city centre needs to be done with the right consideration of traffic and other implications,” Ms Sharpe said.

“The CBD Light Rail Transport Study will help determine the best route for the light rail extension through the CBD from Central to Circular Quay.

“It will assess the impact of light rail route options on transport and traffic in the city, and propose measures to manage those effects.

“Extensive modelling will take place to test a range of scenarios and identify the best solution.

The Cox Group will assist by considering how to best integrate light rail and stops into Sydney’s streetscape, recognising issues such as heritage and precinct use.

A preliminary feasibility study being prepared by consultants GHD, examining route options along George Street and Sussex Street, will be an important input to the Transport Study.

The work to determine the preferred route is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

“The study will be coordinated by Transport NSW in conjunction with the City of Sydney and will include consultation with key business and stakeholder groups,” Ms Sharpe said.

“Once completed, it will go on public exhibition for an extended period and submissions from the community will be invited.

“This is the latest milestone in the Government’s expansion of the light rail network.

“Work on the Lilyfield to Dulwich Hill light rail extension is well underway, with workers along the corridor cleaning and replacing the ballast, replacing the old timber sleepers and laying new tracks along the entire length of the line.”