Minister for Transport and Minister for the Hunter Gladys Berejiklian today said work to reconnect the Newcastle city centre to the foreshore is set to get underway, with truncation of the heavy rail line at Wickham taking place last night.
“Today marks a new era for Newcastle, with train services no longer dividing this great city, and this important revitalisation project now underway,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“The final train services into the city centre ran late last night, and Newcastle, Civic and Wickham stations have now stopped operating as train stations.
“With trains no longer operating in the city centre, the boom gates on Stewart Avenue and Merewether Street will now be open, which will see an improvement to the traffic flow in these areas.
“Construction of a brand new $73 million train, bus and light rail interchange at Wickham will also get under way. This is an exciting time for Newcastle, providing new opportunities for revitalisation and economic growth.
“While we recognise that there will be changes for our customers, there will be long term benefits with the construction of a new transport interchange at Wickham and light rail in the city centre.”
NSW TrainLink Acting chief executive Kieron Ritchard said staff will be available to assist customers, with all trains now terminating at Broadmeadow until 4 January, while work to upgrade Hamilton Station is completed.
“On 5 January, Hamilton Station will reopen and all trains will operate to and from Hamilton Station until the Wickham interchange is completed, with shuttle buses to transfer customers between Hamilton Station and city centre,” Mr Ritchard said.
Construction of the new transport interchange and stabling facilities is expected to be complete in late 2016. Light rail construction is expected to start in late 2015.
For more information about travel arrangements, visit http://www.transportnsw.info/