Sydney, Australia: Most dread light rail jackhammers but historians can’t wait (http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au)

JAMES GORMAN CENTRAL AUGUST 21, 2014 12:00AM

An artist’s impression of the light rail making its way along George St.

Construction of the State Government’s contentious CBD light rail could hold the key to unlocking more details about Sydney’s colonial past.

But it could also add months of delay to the $1.6 billion project as makeshift archaeological sites are established along the route.

The big question is exactly what archaeological evidence will be discovered when work commences at Circular Quay and along George St next year.

This 1860 watercolour shows how George St once looked.

In order to lay the light rail track and install the appropriate infrastructure, sections of George St will be torn up and it is during that construction phase that pieces of Sydney’s past could be uncovered, creating instant digs.

A spokesman for Transport for NSW said the State Government would take the utmost care to ensure any artefacts were undamaged.

“Like with all major projects of this size, a detailed heritage impact assessment was undertaken as part of the environmental impact statement for the CBD and South East Light Rail,” a Transport for NSW spokesman said.

The proposed Circular Quay light rail station.

Much of George St will become pedestrianised when the light rail is built.

The assessment outlined management measures to be implemented if significant Aboriginal or historical archaeological material was identified during the works. The measures include:

● Contractors notifying the NSW Heritage Division and Transport for NSW;

● Photographic archival recording of heritage items/areas in accordance with the relevant NSW Heritage Division guidelines;

● Post-excavation reporting, artefact analysis and also conservation of relics, if found.

The Sydney CBD circa 1900.

“The utilities investigation work Transport for NSW has been doing for more than a year has also resulted in some interesting finds,” the spokesman said.

“In addition to locating utilities (electrical, water, gas, sewer and telecommunications) as expected, the investigation work also revealed old tram infrastructure including old tram tracks, sleepers and steel plates; pedestrian underpasses; utilities tunnels, utilities pits, pipes and chambers; and substations.

“The utilities investigation work ensures we will be prepared when construction begins and be able to reduce risks and minimise the impacts to businesses, residents and motorists.”