The Eyesore Barriers Around Sydney's Light Rail Construction Could Be Sticking Around Longer Than Expected
The ALTRAC consortium has revealed barricades in Randwick, Kensington and Kingsford will remain in place until at least February 2019.
Sydney's light rail project has come with more than its fair share of problems, not least of all the legal stoush between the NSW Government and the project's subcontractor Acciona, which has blown out the completion date. And now, it seems we could also be waiting months longer than anticipated for more of the barriers surrounding the construction sites to be removed.
While initial plans suggested the Sydney Light Rail would be up and running by 2019, the ALTRAC consortium behind the project yesterday confirmed that some barriers will be sticking around well into the new year.
ALTRAC Chief Executive Officer Glenn Bentley put a positive spin on this latest progress report, saying local businesses and residents would soon notice civil construction works nearing completion. But while he revealed some barriers around the northern CBD, Surry Hills and Moore Park would be removed by November, he also explained those in Randwick, Kensington and Kingsford — which affect businesses on Anzac Parade — could be staying put until early next year. Some have already been removed on George Street and the Central end of Devonshire Street.
Bentley said that "where possible, zones may be opened sooner than these dates", though Sydneysiders would have to deal with localised barriers until cabling and paving work in each area is completed. ALTRAC said project delays were being managed as fast as possible, confirming track has been laid in 29 of the 31 light rail zones.
Testing on a stretch of the new 12.7-kilometre route from Circular Quay to Randwick and Kingsford began in February, with the initial aim to have trams running on it 2019. If barriers are to stay up until early next year, that looks very unlikely to happen. Here's hoping that, if trams aren't running, the removal of the construction will at least allow us to navigate and enjoy the city without being blocked at every turn.
Image: Sydney Light Rail.
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