Construction of Newcastle's light rail track will be complete by the end of September, the NSW Government has confirmed.
It means Hunter and Scott Streets are set to be re-opened to traffic as testing gets underway.
Minister for Transport Andrew Constance visited the city today to undertake an inspection of the first six light rail vehicles to arrive in Newcastle, after they were shipped in from Spain and conveyed via truck to the Wickham Interchange last week.
Minister Constance wouldn't give an exact date for when passengers will start climbing aboard, however the network's opening has been confirmed for the first few months of 2019.Planning Minister Anthony Roberts, Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter Scot MacDonald and the Transport Minister all took swings at Newcastle Labor MP Tim Crakanthorp for his role in initially opposing the light rail before calling for the network to be extended into suburban areas, labelling him "a detractor."
"A number of years ago, Labor were saying this couldn't be done," Mr Constance said, "well the job is done. In two weeks, we're going to start testing these magnificent vehicles."
Earlier today, Tim Crakanthorp called on Mr Constance to meet with Hunter Street and CBD traders affected by the year-long construction; a request denied by the Minister.
"I'd like to thank Newcastle for its patience during what has been the 12-month construction period," Mr Constance said, "But it's a project which is on-time and on-budget....Can I also thank and recognise small business for their patience during the last twelve months - it's never easy building a project of this nature but this will bring more people into the city."
The Labor MP also slammed the state government for giving out $9 million dollars in compensation to businesses struggling from Sydney light rail construction when no financial assistance has been provided in Newcastle.
Reports there have been dozens of Newcastle business owners signing up to a class action against the government were denied by the Transport Minister.
"There's no evidence that 40 people have joined a class action; no evidence at all," Mr Constance said, "so at this stage we're going to assess the Sydney CBD class action, but at this stage I'm not aware of any Newcastle businesses that have signed up to the class action just yet."
After 3000 tradespeople complete the final touches on the Newcastle network, it will represent Australia's first and only completely wire-free system.
The Berejiklian Government promises it will offer 1200 extra services and 15 minute frequency on key routes.
