Final blocks of George Street closed one year on

The final blocks of George Street will close from tonight to allow for light rail construction, one year on from the start of major work on the project.

From 10pm tonight (Friday 14 October), George Street will close between Liverpool and Goulburn streets (zone 9), Goulburn and Hay streets (zone 10), and Hay Street to Rawson Place (zone 11).

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast described the project’s progress in the first year of construction as “incredible”.

“It is almost one year to the day from when light rail construction first began on George Street and to see all of George Street under construction from tonight, and to look at how the city has started to transform, is pretty incredible,” Ms Prendergast said.

“Sydney motorists have responded to the changes really well so far but they should not be complacent. Three more sections of George Street from Liverpool Street to Rawson Place close from tonight adding further strain on the network.

“Tonight’s closures will mean all of George Street from Circular Quay to Central is under construction and motorists driving across the CBD will need to use alternative routes on the outside edges of the CBD.”

Ms Prendergast urged Sydney residents to use public transport, and for those who must drive, to familiarise themselves with the changes and to be patient.

“Working in one of the oldest streets in Sydney in the heart of the city has had its challenges and as we continue to adapt to the conditions and close more parts of the CBD it’s important that motorists, commuters, cyclists and pedestrians are all aware of the ongoing construction impacts,” Ms Prendergast said.

“There are several changes tonight that will impact drivers and commuters. There will be delays, so I strongly encourage Sydney to avoid the peak periods if possible, catch public transport and if they must drive, to use the preferred driving routes of Eddy Avenue, College Street, Macquarie Street, Cahill Expressway and the Cross City Tunnel.”

Motorists will not be able to drive southbound on George Street between Liverpool Street and Rawson Place and are recommended to use College Street.

Major construction of the CBD and South East Light Rail began 23 October 2015 and will be completed with services operating in 2019.

About Sydney Light Rail

The CBD and South East Light Rail is a new light rail network for Sydney, currently under construction. The 12km route will feature 19 stops, extending from Circular Quay along George Street to Central Station, through Surry Hills to Moore Park, then to Kensington and Kingsford via Anzac Parade and Randwick via Alison Road and High Street. Construction will be completed in 2018 and services will start running in 2019.