22 Jan Documenting the new Sydney Light Rail: What a ride!
The Sydney CBD and South East Light Rail project has just completed its first phase of development and operation has commenced between Circular Quay and Randwick.
The project was commissioned by Transport for NSW and delivered by ALTRAC Light Rail, a consortium that included joint venture partners Acciona, Alstom and Transdev. The new Light Rail line has seen trams running along George Street for the first time in 61 years. The network will ultimately carry 13,500 passengers per hour in both directions.
The Sydney CBD South East Light Rail passing Sydney Town Hall.
The project benefits include the transport modernisation for passengers travelling to and from Sydney’s south-eastern suburbs. Furthermore, the project has resulted in a transformation of the Sydney CBD. George Street, between Hunter and Bathurst Streets, is now an attractive 1.2km pedestrian boulevard, freeing the area of car and bus congestion.
The L2 line project has been an enormous construction, equipment and systems-based infrastructure project. This work continues with the L3 line, which is scheduled to commence operations in March 2020. The project includes:
- All trackwork
- Tunnelling and cut-and-cover works
- Power supply including the new Aesthetic Power Supply, or third rail power supply between Circular Quay and Town Hall
- The construction of 19 passenger stops
- Vehicles
- Network operations
Time Lapse video of the construction and completion of the Sydney CDB South East Light Rail.
Over the past four years since the project’s commencement, Images for Business has been excited to document every stage of development. Images for Business became involved through a competitive tender process to supply time-lapse images of all construction work. As the project grew, Images for Business proved its capability to also provide still and video images and imaging packages to further enhance communication from ALTRAC and Transport for NSW.
The scope covered by Images for Business included the:
- Many stages and events within the complex construction phase
- Extensive day and night testing
- Light Rail vehicles
- Stabling (vehicle storage) yard
- Official opening.
As the project developed, several important heritage discoveries were uncovered that required careful documentation.
Sydney CBD South East Light Rail construction in Hay Street, Haymarket
For us at Images for Business, the satisfaction gained from this project is immense. First, the large variety of work across imaging formats is creatively stimulating. ALTRAC and Transport for NSW have both expressed genuine satisfaction in the work and the team is justifiably proud of the images produced. Second is the pride in being involved with an infrastructure project of this scale and importance to Sydney. Then perhaps the most significant has been the quality of working relationships we have enjoyed across the board from CEO, to project managers, on-site personnel, the testing team and the communications teams. We have felt a genuine sense of mutual respect with all involved. While this often occurs, it is far from universal and reflects well on the unified culture of the many teams involved.
Construction of the Sydney CBD South East Light Rail in George Street Sydney.
The ingredients for success in an imaging project of this scale include:
- Safety experience and 100% project safety compliance throughout. Zero LTI.
- Construction experience
- Rail experience
- Multi-stakeholder management experience
- The ability to seek out prime locations and negotiate access with building owners and management on behalf of ALTRAC
- Speed of delivery – often within hours to satisfy media deadlines
- Constant adjustment of time-lapse camera locations to move with the project and to create cost-efficiency
- Resourcefulness and the spirit to make it work every time
The Sydney CBD South East Light Rail travels along George Street, Sydney.
ALTRAC CEO, Glenn Bentley said: “Our experience with Images for Business has been outstanding. They are positive, proactive and always on the lookout for opportunities and angles that will enhance the outcome. The team is friendly, flexible and easy to work with.”
The images have been, and continue to be used by Transport for NSW and ALTRAC for internal and external communications, promotion, website, media relations and broadcast TV news.
The Sydney CDB South East Light rail at Devonshire Street, Surry Hills, as seen on www.sydneylightrail.com.au.
The Sydney CBD South East Light rail at Moore Park.
The Sydney CBD South East Light Rail at Haymarket stop.
