So they are proposing 'features' which add to the cost of construction but do nothing to improve the operational effectiveness or financial performance of the light rail overall.

Who is doing the ongoing detailed design of the project?  The same second rate performers who produced the CSELR design with its built in unnecessary costs and performance limiting detail elements?

Will this become another rail project bedeviled by cost overruns as we have seen for the CSELR?

Greg

Bramley wrote:

19-Nov-2017 1:17pm Bramley

Some interesting things in the stage 1 EIS https://majorprojects.accelo.com/public/e321246b890ccdedc23308fbc50f77ab/01.%20PLR_EIS_Volume%201A.pdf
Alignment (section 5.3.2.2):
> dual light rail tracks for the whole of the project alignment with the exception of a single track

arrangement under Pennant Hills Road, Carlingford. Due to constraints associated with the width of the existing road bridge at this location, it is proposed that the track arrangement to pass under the bridge would be reduced to a single bi-directional track. Signalling equipment would be provided to allow for controlled movement of LRVs along this section of track.The single track arrangement would also allow for the provision of the active transport link to extend under Pennant Hills Road.

> Minor works to the bridge piers would be required to meet required safety standards, and the eastern

embankment would be excavated to accommodate the active transport link.

So it's not wide enough for 2 tracks, but they want to excavate it to make it wide enough for a walking trail? Hmmmm.
Electrical (section 5.11.1.1):
> It is not proposed to affix OHW fixtures to existing buildings along the project alignment.


> The tracks and other infrastructure associated with the project would also be earthed so as

to minimise the risk of any potential earth leakage.

Does this mean no more fully insulated rail?
> The opportunity to operate selected sections of the project wire-free is currently being

investigated as part of the ongoing detailed design of the project.

T6 Carlingford Line closure (section 5.10.2):
> At this stage, consideration is being given (pending further investigations during detailed design) to

whether the closure of the T6 Carlingford Line between Camellia (south of Grand Avenue North) and Parramatta Road would also include the removal of the rail infrastructure (such as tracks, station platforms associated with Rosehill Station, etc.) pending further investigation during design development.