Light rail opening to be fast-tracked to late 2019

Sydney’s new light rail line could between the CBD and south eastern suburbs open to passengers later this year, months earlier than the much-delayed project’s slated completion of May 2020.

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Light rail services between Randwick and Circular Quay could be open to passengers later this year as Transport for NSW and project operators discuss fast-tracking its delivery.

Opening of the $2.1 billion project is set to be accelerated to December from its slated May 2020 deadline, but only on the route to High St, Randwick.

It is understood services won’t extend along to Kingsford along Anzac Parade until next March.

A Transport for NSW spokeswoman said it was in discussions with ALTRAC — the consortium enlisted to build and run the project — to bring forward its opening.

“(Transport) believes the project can be delivered by March 2020, and continues to discuss with ALTRAC opportunities to bring it forward to 2019, including opening the line from Circular Quay to Randwick in December,” she said.

The CBD and South East Light Rail project being tested at Randwick. Picture: Supplied

“Good progress was made on the civil construction … last year and the beginning of this year, with work substantially completed, including 100 per cent of the concrete track slab and the construction of 14 of the light rail stops which have been handed over for systems installation and testing.”

The spokeswoman said tram testing was expected to expand to Surry Hills and the CBD in the coming months.

News of progress would come as welcome relief to retailers and residents along the 12km stretch between the CBD and southeastern suburbs, who have suffered from significant delays in construction.

Doctors have raised concerns about access issues with High St being one way outside the Sydney Children's Hospital Emergency Department due to the light rail. Picture: Jonathan Ng

It was revealed in January that 110 businesses and residents had launched a class-action lawsuit against Transport for NSW seeking a combined $400 million in compensation for what their lawyers claimed was economic and psychological trauma.

Major works began in October 2015 and were due to conclude in April 2018.

Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail map. Source: Transport for NSW

When complete services will run every four minutes in peak hours in the CBD and every eight minutes to and from Randwick and Kingsford.

Each vehicle will carry 450 passengers — equivalent to nine standard buses — which is hoped will contribute to the decongestion of key arterial routes in the inner-city and surrounds.