Motorists and bus customers in the South East are being urged to retime their travel with light rail construction beginning on Anzac Parade in Kensington this Saturday, May 7.

Construction will take place between Todman Avenue and High Street (zone 29), and will include the permanent removal of the centre lane in both directions and conversion of the two dedicated bus lanes to 24-hour general traffic lanes.

Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said motorists and bus customers should allow for extra travel time, and re-time their journeys to outside the peak periods.

“Motorists and bus customers have done a great job in adjusting to the changes on George Street in the CBD, but with work now ramping up in the South East, we’re again reminding people to plan ahead,” Mr Constance said.

“Delays are expected, so people should re-time their trips while we get on with light rail construction along Anzac Parade, and be aware that many of these traffic changes in this zone will be permanent.”

The removal of the bus lanes will mean off-peak parking in the area will be permanently removed and clearways established.

Work in this area also requires the removal of the city bound bus stop on Anzac Parade outside of Caltex (between Doncaster Avenue and High Street), with alternate stops located a short distance to both the north and the south. The compound site and site office located at the rear of the UNSW carpark near the National Institute of Dramatic Art will also be established.

CBD Coordinator General Marg Prendergast said much of the changed road arrangements in this zone will remain for future operation of the light rail that will help connect the South East to the CBD and Circular Quay.

“This high traffic area is a vital connection for the light rail in the South East. We’ve consulted with the businesses in the area throughout the planning phase to ensure everyone is aware of the changing traffic and parking conditions needed to accommodate the project,” Ms Prendergast said.

“The permanent removal of parking along this section and the establishment of clearways will allow construction crews to continue work in this narrow site with minimal disruption to traffic as well as to allow the safe future operation of light rail.”

Randwick City Council will be implementing angled parking in a number of streets adjacent to the light rail alignment including on Addison Street and Roma Avenue, Kensington. Loading zones are also being implemented at intersections along Anzac Parade to accommodate delivery vehicles.

The current speed limit will remain in place on Anzac Parade and taxis will be permitted to drop off passengers.

The work in zone 29 begins a week after construction started on Wansey Road at Randwick, while work continues at Moore Park preparing for the Anzac Parade diversion that will allow for the construction of the light rail tunnel.