Light Rail Route A Cause For Concern

By Angela Faherty on January 8, 2014 in News

Residents of the Eastern Suburbs communities of Randwick, Kingsford and Kensington could face five to six years of disruption when construction on the planned light rail extension begins later this year.

The project, which is due to commence mid 2014, could result in the loss of more than 400 trees and 700 parking spaces in the area if the proposed route for Transport for NSW’s planned $1.6 billion CBD and Southeast Light Rail project goes ahead.

Under the current proposal, 20 stations and 13 kilometres of new track will be extended along two routes starting at Circular Quay via Central Station and Anzac Parade to Kingsford, and Alison Road and High Street to Randwick. The project is expected to take up to six years to complete.

In total, 885 parking spaces will be lost and 760 trees cut down along the entire route, with Randwick, Kingsford and Kensington accounting for 60 percent of tree loss and 80 percent of parking loss overall.

The proposals have been met with mixed reactions among members of the community, with those in favour saying the service is needed to revitalise and improve a much-maligned local transport system, with calls to extend the network to Coogee, Maroubra Junction and La Perouse.

In contrast, those opposed to the development have said the project is a backward step that will increase congestion and lengthen the journey time of residents travelling to the city as they transfer from local buses to light rail at interchanges. Also of concern is how people will get to the light rail stops, with many suggesting residents will drive rather than take the bus, therefore increasing congestion along the proposed routes.

However, both Randwick City Council and Transport for NSW have said the introduction of light rail will make it easier for residents and visitors, with journey times of 18 minutes from Kingsford to Central and 15 minutes from Randwick to Central.

In addition, improved capacity and greater frequency of the service are expected to reduce waiting and travel times as the new light rail vehicles can carry up to 300 people at one time, compared to 60 people on a standard bus.

Plans to redesign the bus network to run alongside the light rail service have also been announced, although no details have been released on how this would work in practice. However, it is expected that buses servicing the area will no longer run directly to the city.

Following a period of consultation with the local community, Randwick City Council has moved to reduce the upheaval and environmental impact faced by residents by submitting a response to the current proposals outlining five key changes that could save hundreds of trees and parking spaces in the area.

Among these changes is the suggestion to move the light rail alignment off Wansey Road, Randwick onto adjacent land owned by Royal Randwick Racecourse, potentially saving about 100 trees including 16 significant figs, maintaining parking and reducing the impact on adjacent residents. The response has also proposed moving the Randwick interchange from High Cross Park to High Street and investigating alternative parking in adjacent streets to the light rail route.

“These are small changes that could potentially have a positive impact on our local residents,” Randwick Mayor Scott Nash said.

“I’ve been pleased with our discussions with Transport for NSW so far and council will continue to try and get the best outcome we possibly can for our local residents, businesses and visitors.”

Transport for NSW has said further assessments and consultation need to be undertaken before a decision on the final route is made, and it is working with the council on mitigation measures to reduce the potential impact on the community during the project.