Transforming Sydney: $45million CBD and South East Light Rail construction contract awarded.
Minister for Transport Gladys Berejiklian today announced that construction on the CBD and South East Light Rail is set to begin with the awarding of the first major contract for the $1.6 billion project. Laing O’Rourke Construction Australia has been appointed as Managing Contractor to carry out up to $45 million worth of essential early works, including relocating buried utilities such as water, telecommunications, gas and electricity cables and pipes, and initial work around Moore Park.
“The CBD and South East Light Rail is a priority project for the NSW Government that will transform the future of transport in Sydney, deliver over $4 billion worth of economic benefits and create 10,000 jobs”, Ms Berejiklian said.
“Planning approval has been received, and now the project is underway, with the appointment of Laing O’Rourke Construction Australia as Managing Contractor to carry out early preparatory works. This will include the relocation of utilities at key intersections in the CBD, and reconfiguration of Tramway Oval in Moore Park. These essential works will soon begin along the new 12 kilometre route and will prepare the way for major construction of the light rail to begin in 2015. Keeping Sydney ‘Open for Business’ during construction of light rail is a priority for the Government and we will continue to work collaboratively with councils, businesses and local communities to deliver the project successfully.”
A Public Private Partnership to design, build, operate and maintain the new light rail network, including the existing Inner West Rail, will also be awarded ahead of major construction starting in 2015.
The CBD and South East Light Rail will link Circular Quay and Central, the Moore Park sporting and entertainment precinct including the Sydney Cricket Ground and Sydney Football Stadium, Randwick Racecourse, the University of NSW and Prince of Wales Hospital at Randwick.
The project also includes the development of a pedestrian zone along George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets. The service is expected to be open and operational in 2019 or 2020.
The NSW Government will continue to keep the community informed throughout construction through project updates, letter box notifications, the website, and notices in local newspapers.
Local business and community forums are also being established in each precinct along the light rail route.
The CBD and South East Light Rail is one of a number of key infrastructure projects being delivered by the NSW Government along with the North West Rail Link, South West Rail Link, WestConnex and Wynyard Walk.
Source: News Release NSW Government media release, 01 July 2014