First section of track laid for Sydney Light Rail project

Image: Transport for NSW

Sydney Light Rail project reached a milestone on 11 August with the first section of track laid of the new 12km route.

Image: Transport for NSW

The first track of the CBD and South East Light Rail project (Sydney Light Rail) was cemented into position during a ceremony attended by NSW Premier Mike Baird and Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance.

The occasion took place in Kensington and marks the start of track construction. More than half of the 12 kilometre light rail route is expected to be under construction by the end of this week.

First section of Sydney Light Rail track cemented into position.

The CBD and South East Light Rail is a new light rail network for Sydney. The 12km route will feature 19 stops from Circular Quay in central Sydney running south to Kingford and Randwick. Sydney Light Rail also incorporates the Inner West Light Rail, which is now operating as the L1 Dulwich Hill Line.

Once complete, the high capacity service 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 percent in the peak morning rush hour.

Key features of Sydney Light Rail

• High frequency ‘turn up and go’ light rail services operating up to every four minutes in the peak.
• Reliable and high-capacity services.
• Additional special event services between Central and the Moore Park and Alison Road stops.
• A one-kilometre pedestrian zone along George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst streets, providing new opportunities for outdoor dining, creative spaces and entertainment.
• A fleet of electric-powered light rail vehicles with air conditioning and accessible low-floor design.

Transport for NSW has confirmed the CBD and South East Light Rail will be completed and operating in 2019.