Sydney Light rail

[ozbob]

Rail Express --> Sydney light rail construction ramps up

Major light rail construction is well underway in Sydney's CBD, with work ramping up at the two existing construction zones, and more road closures scheduled over the next three months.

Transport for NSW said on Wednesday that work could accelerate at the two existing road closures on George Street, after "the completion of vital utility investigations".

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said initial work had helped refine the detailed design for the project.

"As we move through the next two-and-a-half years of construction, contractors will continue to refine work schedules, with some zones expected to start major construction earlier and some later than first earmarked, depending on construction requirements," she explained.

Prendergast also announced the planned dates for four more sections of George Street to be closed.

The main street will close between Alfred and Grosvenor from March to December, and between Bridge and Margaret from April to December. The already-closed section between King and Park will also be open to pedestrians before the end of the year.

"We are now working very hard to release areas of George Street back to residents, workers and businesses before Christmas 2016 and we will seek to minimise impacts in any zones that are occupied in the lead up to Christmas," Prendergast said.

"Of course George Street between King and Park streets will be a fantastic pedestrian mall with major construction complete before Christmas – giving Sydney its first taste of what we are creating."

George Street will also close from Hunter to King between July 2016 and July 2017, and from Park to Bathurst between April 2016 and January 2017.

State transport minister Andrew Constance said the ramp-up in works made 2016,"the year of light rail big build".

"We have now significantly progressed vital utility investigations along George Street, which has helped refine the detailed design for the project, including determining the exact track location and where the most complex work will need to be done," Constance said.

"With that greater knowledge, contractor ALTRAC Light Rail has been able to refine the dates for some zones to ensure work is carried out most efficiently and effectively while minimising intrusion."

ALTRAC, made up of Acciona, Transdev Sydney, Alstom Transport Australia and Capella Capital, is delivering the light rail line, which will run from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station, through Surry Hills to Moore Park, then to Kensington and Kingsford via Anzac Parade, and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street.

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SMH --> Sydney Uni Pushes for light rail along Parramatta Road. -->
http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-university-pushes-for-light-rail-line-along-parramatta-road-20160128-gmfvrt.html

[ozbob]

For interest

Sydney's former tram network done in a modern style.

http://www.voommaps.com/maps/sydney_tram_network_map/

At it's peak the Sydney tram network had .... around 400 million passenger trips per year ....

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Light rail link to Green Square among nation's 'top priorities'

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Temporary six-lane road to be built for construction of Sydney light rail tunnel

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The Daily Telegraph --> Plans for Sydney to La Perouse light rail steam ahead

[SurfRail]

I don't know how much of a case there is to go any further than say Malabar.  You probably hit the point of diminishing returns well before La Perouse, old alignment or not.

[ozbob]

The last tram to depart La Perouse (1961) From Trams Down Under Archive http://tdu.to/165868.msg 

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Call to halt Sydney light rail after massive Indigenous artefact find

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney light rail construction to make 'life very difficult' for commuters

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney light rail: Work stoppages over pay, safety concerns

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney light rail: NSW government moves to quell capacity concerns

A combination of trams running on Sydney's new $2.1 billion light rail line and buses will boost public transport capacity from the eastern suburbs of Randwick and Kensington by up to 30 per cent during morning peak hours, the state government says.

The number of passengers the government expects the 12-kilometre line to carry once it opens in 2019 has come under attack from opponents of the project. They argue the removal of buses from existing routes will lead to a significant fall in public transport capacity to Sydney's south east.

However, Transport for NSW forecasts the combined tram and bus network will boost city-bound capacity by more than 10 per cent from Kensington, and 30 per cent from Randwick, during the morning travel peak ...

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/sydney-light-rail-nsw-government-moves-to-quell-capacity-concerns-20160704-gpy0lo.html

[ozbob]

For interest, this vid opens with the view on top of tram heading south down George St Sydney  in 1906 ...

[ozbob]

Timelapse footage shows Sydney's #LightRail construction underwayhttps://t.co/OrvtOrWBg8

— AusRAIL (@AusRAIL) July 24, 2016

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Rail Express --> Road diversion opens for Sydney light rail

A six-lane road diversion has been opened in Sydney so a tunnel can be built as part of the CBD and South East Light Rail project.

The substitute stretch of road runs alongside Anzac Parade, one of the busiest feeder roads into and out of the city centre.

Cars began using the new piece of road on Saturday night.

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said speed limits along the stretch had been reduced to 40km/h.

"All traffic on Anzac Parade will be directed on to the temporary road diversion starting tonight for southbound and northbound traffic," Prendergast said on July 30.

The diversion will last about eight months.

"We are reducing the planned construction time by almost half and the impact to drivers is significantly minimised from the series of differing diversions that was initially proposed," Prendergast said.

The Transport for NSW team has committed to replant all the trees which were removed so the replacement road could be built.

The new 12-kilometre light rail line will run from Circular Quay, through the CBD and on to Randwick and Kingsford.

Services are on track to begin operating from 2019.

[ozbob]

Moore Park To Central Light Rail

The State Government has announced a new light rail route - Linking Central train station to Moore Park. Making it easier for sports fans to travel between the SCG & SFS and Central train station. CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast says 900 new trees will be planted along the light rail route.

Statement: The first look at what light rail will look like along Anzac Parade has been unveiled, including the station that will service the city's major sporting precinct. After leaving Central through Surry Hills, light rail will travel in a tunnel under Moore Park and Anzac Parade and emerge above ground at a new stop close to the Sydney Football Stadium and Sydney Cricket Ground. Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said this station will be a key stop along the 12 kilometre route, giving fans access to all our iconic sporting events. "This is home to rugby league, rugby union, AFL, cricket, major events, concerts and an array of spectacles that will make this a major destination for light rail customers," Mr Constance said. "The light rail stop will be a signature design while preserving the parkland and green space enjoyed by thousands." CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said while a number of mature trees needed removal to accommodate this vital infrastructure, the final design shows Anzac Parade will retain its status as a majestic avenue linking the south east to the city. "We anticipate more than 1,800 new trees will be planted, with at least 900 of these planted along the route. We already have many of these growing in nurseries right now, so they'll be big and healthy when they arrive for planting," Ms Prendergast said. Construction of Sydney Light Rail is now live on more than half of the route, with work also progressing on the cut and cover tunnel that will link the Moore Park stop. Major construction on the 12-kilometre light rail route from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford will be completed and operating in 2019.

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The Daily Telegraph --> Moore Park light rail station design unveiled

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http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/first-tracks-place-sydneys-light-rail

First tracks in place for Sydney's Light Rail

Construction on the CBD and South East light rail project has entered a new phase with the first section of track laid today in Kensington.

Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance were on hand as a 60-metre section of track was cemented in place on Anzac Parade. More tracks will be laid in multiple zones over the coming months.

"It's great to see another of our major public transport infrastructure projects taking shape," Mr Baird said.

"Light rail will change the way people commute through the heart of our city - we once again thank residents, businesses, commuters and motorists for their patience as construction powers ahead."

Mr Constance said today was a major milestone in delivering a project which will encourage people out of their cars and onto reliable public transport.

"We all know congestion is getting worse in Sydney and with daily trips to the city centre expected to increase by almost 25 per cent by 2031, this will help bust congestion," Mr Constance said.

"Light rail will move up to 13,500 customers in both directions between 7am and 7pm and when combined with express and local bus services, will bring increased transport capacity of up to 30 per cent in the morning peak."

Coogee MP Bruce Notley-Smith said: "Today's laying of light rail tracks is an historic moment for the eastern suburbs community as this long overdue transport infrastructure is finally being delivered. If we promise something we deliver it."
The 12-kilometre light rail route links Circular Quay and the CBD to Randwick and Kingsford via Surry Hills and the Moore Park sporting precinct.

Nine hundred people are currently working on the project, which will rise to 1500 at the peak of construction. Almost 15 of 31 construction zones are now live including work on the tunnel under Anzac parade at Moore Park. The new line will be completed and operating in 2019.

For more information about the light rail project or travelling around the CBD visit www.mysydney.com.au External website.

Vision of the tracks being prepared on site is available to view > External website.
12 August 2016

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Sydney Morning Herald --> First tracks laid for Sydney's $2.1b light rail project

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http://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/bridging-cbd-south-east-light-rail-construction-storms-ahead

Bridging the CBD to the South East as light rail construction storms ahead

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance today announced that the installation of a new light rail bridge over the Eastern Distributor connecting Surry Hills and Moore Park is forging ahead, with work due for completion by the end of the week.

"The NSW Government is getting on with building the light rail from the City to the South East, and with more than seven kilometres of the 12 kilometre route under construction, and Surry Hills and Moore Park now connected, it's exciting to see this project coming to life," Mr Constance said.

"The Eastern Distributor Bridge will connect the missing link of the route between the CBD and the South East, and enables crews to continue tunnelling in Moore Park and expand construction in Surry Hills."

The first glimpse of what light rail will look like through Surry Hills has also been released, showing pedestrian-friendly footpaths and pocket parks, outdoor dining and a green corridor along Devonshire Street.

"Our focus is to maintain that unique personality that residents and visitors all love about Surry Hills, while improving the streetscape and providing a fantastic new public transport service at the same time," Mr Constance said.

"There's an opportunity for us to make massive improvements that will add to the culture and environment of Devonshire Street, and as well as new pocket parks, we are undergrounding the current overhead powerlines and widening footpaths where we can."

Major construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail started in October 2015 with services to begin operating in 2019.

Artist impressions, time-lapse video and a new animation are available to download External website. 

29 September 2016

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The construction of Sydney's light rail from the city to the south-east is gathering pace. @cokeefe9 reports #9News https://t.co/FTLsW8Zzzy

— Nine News Sydney (@9NewsSyd) September 29, 2016

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Audit report reveals major failures in Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail project

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Cost of running Sydney's new light-rail line blows out by 70% to $938 million

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Sydney Morning Herald --> First tram tracks laid for George Street light rail

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Revealed: Gladys Berejiklian was sent light rail cost blowout details

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Rail Express --> 'Metropolitan', 'Chinatown' among proposed Sydney Light Rail stops

Transport for NSW has proposed a relatively straightforward selection of names for stops along the new CBD and South East Light Rail line being built through Sydney.

The line, which will run from Circular Quay in the CBD's north to Kingsford and Randwick to the city's south-east, will have 19 stops.

With work well underway along the light rail line, a list of draft names for the stops has been released.

Transport for NSW says it will engage the community, councils and businesses on the choices.

The names are fairly simple, with obvious choices at Circular Quay, Wynyard, QVB, Town Hall, Central and Moore Park.

Metropolitan is the name proposed for the stop between Circular Quay and Wynyard. Chinatown is the proposal for another stop, further down George Street. And at the end of the line, where it forks to Kingsford, there is the final stop, Nine Ways.

While the choices may seem arbitrary, Sydney coordinator general Marg Prendergast said stop names were important "because they will be the first step in how customers navigate this new public transport system".

"The key to getting it right when it comes to naming is talking to and hearing from local businesses, residents, councils – people and groups who have the best understanding of their communities."

After community consultation, Transport for NSW will be forwarding the names to the NSW Geographical Names Board, which will lead "a formal consultation and technical assessment process" later this year.

[verbatim9]

LRT Station Names revealed Daily Telegraph reveals :


http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-sydney/metropolitan-nine-ways-and-wansey-college-names-for-cbd-light-rail-stops-revealed/news-story/6185e299a03c5896a1b6035360906295

Metropolitan, Nine Ways and Wansey Cottage: names for CBD light rail stops revealed

Heather McNab, CENtRAL

March 14, 2017 3:47pm

METROPOLITAN, Nine Ways and Wansey Cottage are just some of the names that could be given to stops along the CBD and south east light rail route.

Transport for NSW today unveiled the potential names for the 19 stops which span from Circular Quay all the way to Kingsford and Randwick.

[ozbob]

One kilometre of light rail track has now been installed in the #SydneyCBD as part of #SydneyLightRail. pic.twitter.com/rAZuWkwNSz

— Tomorrow's Sydney (@MySydney) May 11, 2017

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🎶🎶 "I've got a car... I've got a big red shiny car...." 🎶🎶

Take a look inside one of the first new #SydneyLightRail vehicles! pic.twitter.com/QXu05zhaRf

— Tomorrow's Sydney (@MySydney) May 24, 2017

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Further delays to Sydney CBD light rail construction leave retailers struggling

Construction of Sydney's $2.1 billion light rail line along much of George Street in the central city has missed completion deadlines for the second time.

And retailers whose turnover has tumbled since work began more than 18 months ago in the CBD are concerned the disruption from construction will drag on for months.

Owners of the Book Kitchen cafe in Surry Hills say revenue has more than halved since light rail line construction began outside their premises.

Despite a deadline extension last year, seven of 10 zones on George Street have failed to meet the latest completion dates – some by several months – for laying of tracks, curbs and other civil construction work.

High-end health and beauty shop Orogold said its revenue had halved over the past six months due to customers avoiding the area because of the construction.

"All of our neighbours are closing down. We are in a bind," co-owner John Leonardos said. "We are losing money right now."

Mr Leonardos said transport officials told him construction in front of his store near Martin Place could now last until Christmas, while a best-case scenario was October.

Transport for NSW said the discovery of about 1000 underground utility and service cables under the route of the line in the CBD had required investigation, design changes and "much negotiation with stakeholders about matters such as stormwater, gas, power and design stops".

It said civil construction would be completed on the first of three zones on George Street "from the middle of the year", but declined to elaborate further.

"We are on track for overall completion in early 2019 and have always been upfront in stating that we would need to adjust the schedules of individual zones," it said.

The transport authority said it had been working to send a "strong message that Sydney is open for business along the light rail route during the construction", which extends from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kensington in the city's south east.

But Bek Benitez, the manager of the Oakley store on George Street, said the disruption had resulted in a major decline in customers.

"It is something that should have taken a minimal amount of time. The project wasn't thought through properly," she said. "It is absolutely frustrating."

The ALTRAC consortium that won the $2.1 billion contract to build and operate the 12-kilometre line faces "significant financial penalties" if it spends longer than the allocated time in any construction zone.

But Transport for NSW declined to say whether the consortium had paid penalties, citing commercial in confidence.

In Surry Hills and along Anzac Parade in Kensington, small businesses are also counting the cost. The owners of The Book Kitchen closed their well-known cafe and restaurant permanently last month after almost eight years, blaming construction on Devonshire Street for a plunge in customers.

Amelia Birch, who ran the Book Kitchen with her husband David, said the disruption from construction had taken a huge emotional and financial toll, and she estimated they had lost more than $100,000.

"It has uprooted our whole life. Our revenue was so low and we were unable to pay the rent. We liquidated our business and had to move out of our house because we couldn't afford to rent," she said. "We are living with family now."

Labor's transport spokeswoman, Jodi McKay, said the government should consider financial assistance to help struggling businesses.

"It's clear some are doing it tougher than the government expected and so it needs to do the right thing and look at individual circumstances," she said.

In November, the state's Auditor-General released a damning report into the light rail line, in which it was revealed the government misled the public about the reasons for a $549 million blowout in the cost of the project in 2014.

Con Vithoulkas, who co-owns Vivo Cafe on George Street with City of Sydney councillor Angela, his sister, said his revenue had dropped by 30 per cent since construction began.

"It is a disaster. As a small business owner, I am mortgaging my house to pay my bills and my lease here," he said. "We don't know when it's going to end."

Mr Vithoulkas said his business paid almost $400,000 a year in rent for a premium spot in the CBD, yet noise and dust from construction of the line was deterring customers.

The cafe used to attract an after-work crowd until 8pm on Fridays. But that dried up quickly after construction started and the cafe now closes at 4pm.

"It's not a little problem, it's a major problem," he said. "I have to go to the landlord and beg. There is no compo – nothing, zero."

However, Transport for NSW said the major civil construction was progressively being completed with systems work for the line, including installing the third rail, signals and station equipment.

"By combining the two stages of work we're able to complete as much of the project as possible in the one sequence," it said.

[ozbob]

Sydney Morning Herald --> Sydney commuters bear brunt of overcrowded trams on inner west light rail


Commuters wait for a tram at Central Station last week. Photo: Michael Vesic

Commuters face a frustrating wait before they get relief from chronic overcrowding on trams on Sydney's inner west light rail line during peak travel periods.

Passengers say the crowding is a "nightmare" during peak periods despite the introduction of an extra 90 weekly services last year on the 12.8-kilometre line from Central Station to Dulwich Hill.

And the most recent government statistics show the number of passengers using the light rail line surged by 59 per cent to 9.73 million in the 12 months to June last year.

Transport for NSW, the government agency charged with oversight of the networks, said it would continue to monitor passenger numbers on the inner west line but declined to say whether it planned to boost tram services during peak periods.

The agency said it put on an additional 107 services during off-peak periods on weekdays and on Saturdays in January as part of a trial.

"This trial is due to conclude at the end of June and the data gathered will help to guide the development of future service delivery requirements," it said.

The introduction of an extra 90 services early last year led to trams running every eight minutes during peak periods instead of every 10 minutes. The afternoon peak was also extended by an hour to 7pm.

Patronage has soared since a 5.6-km extension of the line to Dulwich Hill in the inner west was opened in early 2014. The line carried about 4 million passengers a year before the extension.

Lex Wills, a commuter who works as a contractor at Pyrmont in the inner west, said more services were needed because trams were regularly packed at Central Station during peak periods on west-bound journeys, making it difficult for people to get on at other stops along the line.

"There is not only no standing room – there is no breathing room. It is an absolute nightmare," he said. "I try to avoid it at peak hour."

Lane Cove resident Dinah Cota said the crowding had worsened in the past few months, and she often chose to walk to work at Pyrmont instead of taking trams.

"It is not too rare to come here [at Central] and see a crowd of people waiting and waiting [for trams]," she said.

The demand for light rail underscores the pressure on public transport across Sydney from a growing population. Patronage on Sydney Trains' network has risen by 10 per cent over the past year, resulting in overcrowding at peak travel periods.

The public transport network is especially stretched during spells of wet weather.

ALTRAC, a consortium of four companies building a $2.1 billion light rail line from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kensington in the city's south east, operates the inner west light. Construction of sections of the new line in the central city has been dogged by delays, raising the ire of retailers.

Meanwhile, the government has shortlisted three groups – Laing O'Rourke Australia, CPB Contractors-John Holland, and Lendlease – to build new platforms for a metro train line and a major new walkway at Central Station.

The contract for the work at Australia's busiest railway station is due to be awarded early next year.

[verbatim9]

https://twitter.com/MySydney/status/867262658579398656

Better looks like the ceiling grab handles have been omitted from doorways and moved more inside the carriage. Unlike Gold coast trams. OHAS hazard really for taller people having ceiling grab handles at doorways. Some trains and trams in Melbourne have them and with low ceiling heights becomes really a hazard. Defeats the purpose of the original design of the vehicle. All of a sudden bars and grab handles are put in places without thought.

I like the Alstom trams rode them in Adelaide very airy and spacious.

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MySydney/status/875657992955416576

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https://twitter.com/MySydney/status/877102558879330306

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/MySydney/status/882064768214990848

[verbatim9]

^^Great Video! Notice no grab handles/bara above doorway entrances. Yet to the side and inside the carriage Keeps doorways clear for boarding and disembarking. Ease of use for taller passengers and when carrying taller objects. Gold Coast light Rail Operator taking example?

[ozbob]

Good steady progress.

Rather embarrassing when you look around the other states and reflect on the shambles here in brisBANE hey?

[ozbob]

https://twitter.com/TransportforNSW/status/882461054755885056

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https://twitter.com/RailExpressNews/status/883087596745654273

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Sydney Morning Herald --> Relief for some retailers as light-rail works in stretch of George Street to finish

Retailers on George Street in central Sydney will finally gain a reprieve from disruption caused by construction of the $2.1 billion light rail project within the next three months.

Civil construction on a stretch of George Street from the Queen Victoria Building to the intersection with King Street is scheduled to be finished by late October, about a year later than originally planned.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian says that a lot of businesses along the new light rail route are already experiencing more pedestrian traffic because of the road closures.

Completion of the laying of tracks, kerbs and other civil construction work will allow for barriers to be removed and the area to be made much more accessible for pedestrians.

About a third of the entire track - or four kilometres of line in both directions along the 12-kilometre route from Circular Quay in the CBD to Randwick and Kensington in the south-east - has now been laid.

Construction of the first of 19 tram stops - at Wansey Road beside Randwick Racecourse - is due to be finished within the next two months.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the construction team was now laying about 500 metres of track for the light rail each week.
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"No major project, whether it's this or any other, comes without its challenges," she said.

"As the project progresses, and people see the track being laid and the progress being made ... they can see the light at the end of the tunnel."

Ms Berejiklian said the project was especially challenging in George Street because it was "so visual" and the main arterial route for the CBD.

"We are also seeing progress in the CBD, with cars returning to parts of George Street near Circular Quay where track has been installed, including paving laid between the rails," she said.

Retailers on George Street and in Surry Hills and Kensington have complained that their revenue has tumbled since construction began.

The owners of The Book Kitchen closed their well-known cafe and restaurant permanently in May after almost eight years, blaming construction on Devonshire Street for a plunge in customers.

Labor's transport spokeswoman, Jodi McKay, said the government should compensate businesses that had suffered falls in revenue of up to 60 per cent.

"Many of them are feeling left out in the cold and that their concerns are not being heard," she said.

But Ms Berejiklian said foot traffic along George Street would "go through the roof" once the light rail project was completed, due partly to thousands of people catching trams.

"We are supporting businesses during the construction process but we know, once the project is over, they are going to enjoy so much more business than what they used to because of the extra foot traffic," she said.

Glenn Bentley, the chief executive of the ALTRAC consortium building the line, said his team was aware of the need for civil construction along sections of George Street to be completed before the busy Christmas period.

"Retailers have been very patient with us," he said. "Where there is a stop, like at QVB, there will be a hoarding around the stop. But large areas will have barriers removed."

Mr Bentley said the discovery of about 1100 underground utilities cables had presented a major challenge because workers had to assume they were live before they could be handled.

"They will continue to be a challenge until we actually deal with our last service," he said.