Australia’s New South Wales (NSW) Government is investing in a hybrid, light rail route in Newcastle, which will include the rail corridor and Hunter Street.
The proposed light rail will run east from the new Wickham transport interchange along the existing rail corridor, before moving south to connect with Hunter Street and Scott Street and terminating at Pacific Park.
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The new light rail route combines the major benefits of the two routes that were initially identified by the government’s transport department.
The light rail project is expected to support urban renewal in the future, as a part of revitalising Newcastle.
NSW planning minister Pru Goward said: "By removing the barrier of the heavy rail line and opening up significant areas of the rail corridor for public use, the city centre can be reunited."
NSW transport minister Gladys Berejiklian said: "The route strikes the best balance in providing a quality transport outcome for Newcastle and also allowing the city and its waterfront to be reconnected and revitalised.
"Now that this decision has been made, the government looks forward to providing further details on the timeline in the near future."
Earlier this month, the government announced plans to place an order for the construction of a new fleet of next-generation intercity trains worth $2.8bn.
The order consists of 65 new air-conditioned trains, which will include approximately 520 brand new carriages.
Image: Hamilton railway station, Newcastle. Photo: courtesy of JROBBO.
