Modifications for Sydney Metro Northwest cabling work after community feedback
22.03.2016
A 5.2 kilometre cabling project to supply power for the first stage of Sydney’s new metro rail system will begin later this year. Following community feedback, modifications have been made to how the work will be completed.
To deliver fast, safe and reliable metro train services, Sydney Metro Northwest requires two independent electrical supplies – one at each end of the project. In November 2015, as part of a formal planning process, Transport for NSW proposed a dedicated 33kV underground connection from Ausgrid’s Willoughby substation to Transport for NSW’s North Chatswood traction substation.
An environmental assessment of this route was put on public exhibition for comment last year with 43 submissions received from local residents, businesses, community groups and Willoughby City Council. A Submissions Report which responds to issues raised by community members is now available in our document library.
Transport for NSW has taken on board community feedback and will adjust how the cabling work is delivered, including night work where possible to minimise impacts in Artarmon. Some construction work along sections of Hampden Road and Brand Street, in particular along the Artarmon shopping area, may be done at night to minimise impacts to traffic, vehicle access, parking and cumulative impacts with other proposed developments along this section of the route. This would be subject to a noise assessment.
As well, Transport for NSW and Sydney Metro Northwest operator Northwest Rapid Transit (NRT) will further review the location and design of jointing bays to minimise potential traffic and transport impacts during the work, particularly the proposed jointing bay at the corner of Hampden Road and Brand Street, Artarmon.
None of the work requires the full closure of Hampden Rd, Artarmon. Transport for NSW and NRT will keep traffic flowing around the works, no matter where they are on the route.
Construction vehicle parking will also be discouraged on local roads and in timed car spaces. Construction staff will be briefed on the need to use public transport, car share, or park in a designated off-site area and transported to site via a shuttle bus wherever possible.
The Submissions Report outlines how Transport for NSW and NRT will address the impacts of the work.
The project team has experience in undertaking these type of works with 9 kilometres of cabling installed on the project so far – in commercial areas in Castle Hill and Bella Vista, in front of home businesses in Castle Hill and along residential streets in Cherrybrook, West Pennant Hills and Glenwood. Transport for NSW appreciates the need to carefully manage the works and minimise inconvenience to residents and businesses.
NRT will shortly undertake a survey and potholing of buried services along the route which will help detailed design. Construction is expected to start the second half of 2016, with completion of the most of the works expected by late 2017.