Night testing underway on Anzac Pde for Sydney light rail
Tram testing has progressed to the last leg of Sydney’s $2.7 billion light rail project, as the December deadline for first passenger services approaches. SEE THE VIDEO.
Southern Courier
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Tram testing is finally underway on the Kensington to Kingsford leg as work on Sydney’s troubled light rail project nears the end of the line.
The first of the city’s new 67m vehicles rolled down Anzac Pde on October 10, as night tests have got underway the first time.
Day trials will soon follow, prompting a warning for pedestrians — and in particular UNSW students — to be on alert.
“The first few nights of tram testing in Kingsford and Kensington have been successful and the team is proud to see their hard work pay off,” a Transport for NSW project director said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming more trams testing in the daytime on the Kingsford and Kensington branch in coming weeks.”
First services on the new $2.7 billion line will begin between Randwick and Circular Quay in December, but those living on the Kingsford leg will have to wait until March 2020.
It follows an announcement last week that driver training had moved to Sydney CBD where up to 12 trams will be running day and night, as preparations ramp up for the December deadline.
“It’s an exciting time for Sydney as the countdown begins to the first passenger services … but it’s also a timely reminder for pedestrians and drivers to be vigilant,” Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
Progress should come as welcome relief to residents and business owners along Anzac Pde have suffered through construction on the project, complaining of loss of trade and sleep.
Work on the 12.9km network began in 2015 and was scheduled for completion in early 2019.
