High voltage warning on Sydney Light Rail project

TRANSPORT for NSW has issued a safety warning as work on installing overhead wires, carrying 750 volts of power, for the Sydney Light Rail gets under way.

Light rail vehicles will begin to be tested along South Dowling St.

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TRANSPORT for NSW has issued a safety warning as work on installing overhead wires, carrying 750 volts of power, for the Sydney Light Rail gets under way.

A spokeswoman said the work on the overhead wires would start next week for the light rail along Anzac Pde between Lang Rd and up to South Dowling St.

An artists impression of the Sydney Light Rail crossing the South Dowling Bridge.

A safety fact sheet issued ahead of the work warns Sydneysiders to always assume the wires are live.

The spokeswoman said residents should stay safe and “be aware of changes in the area”.

“We remind all residents that once overhead wires are installed to look up, stay safe and always keep a safe distance from overhead wires,” she said.

Signs will be installed when an area becomes a test zone and hazard zones will also be established around activated areas, the spokeswoman said.

‘The wires will go through the 500m Moore Park tunnel, which connects the CBD and south east,” she said.

Trams are due to begin operational testing once the wires are installed.

The installation of overhead wires is the first step of the testing and commissioning phase, moving the project one step closer to tram testing.

Once installation is complete, trams will begin operational testing at night and at low speed. Over time, testing speeds will increase and take place during the day. The spokeswoman said residents would be told before testing starts in each area.

Construction of the pedestrian bridge near the Moore Park light rail stop is progressing, with the temporary pedestrian diversion now closed.

While 12 light rail vehicles are already at home in the Randwick Stabling Yard, more will arrive for testing along the route.

The spokeswoman said trackwork, with 8771m of track now laid, was complete in the Surry Hills and Moore Park areas.