Major construction of Newcastle’s light rail track is set to be complete by the end of September, allowing traffic to return to Hunter and Scott Streets.
Testing of the tracks will begin next month on the completely wire-free system, with a system of onboard batteries that will be charges at each stop.
The light rail is part of the NSW Government’s $35 million package to improve Newcastle’s urban amenity.
Six of the light rail vehicles have arrives in Newcastle for testing, 12 months after construction began on the 350 metres section of light rail.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said it is a proud moment to see Hunter Street looking better than ever, with record investment in the city centre.
“As the fences come down to open the remainder of the light rail route, Novocastrians will see just how much their city has changed, with upgraded roads, widened footpaths, and new public spaces at the restored Newcastle Station and Market Street Lawn,” Mr Constance said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald said workers, tourists and families can now freely move between the waterfront and city centre to create more foot traffic and activity for businesses.
“Newcastle’s light rail is Australia’s first and only completely wire-free system, and along with the city scape upgrades and landscaping Newcastle is getting the attractive urban space it needs to thrive,” Mr MacDonald said.
“More than 3,000 individuals have worked on Newcastle Light rail, and Novocastrians should be proud of how the local team has delivered this important project.”
Mr MacDonald said the light rail will work in tandem with upgraded CBD intersections, 1200 additional services and 15-minute frequencies on key routes.
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