First look at plans for Sydney light rail network to relieve crippling traffic congestion in the CBD An artist impression of the light rail network at Circular Quay. THIS is the first glimpse of Sydney's light rail network, which planners say will solve the city's congestion crisis by carrying 9000 people an hour from the CBD to the eastern suburbs. Taxis and buses will be removed from Circular Quay, creating a pedestrian plaza outside the train station and ferry wharfs, and parking will be banned from Devonshire St to allow the trams to cut through Surry Hills. A heavy price to pay for the light rail revolution The consultation period on the network starts today, and will also ask locals for input about whether a crossing should go under Moore Park in a cut-and-cover tunnel or above it on a viaduct. An artist impression of the light rail network at Moore Park. The Daily Telegraph understands a tunnel, which would not slice the park in two, would require a bridge over the Eastern Distributor, with light rail at street level on South Dowling St, extending under Anzac Pde, with a stop at Moore Park for the SCG and SFS. A viaduct would cross above traffic on South Dowling St and above green space and Anzac Pde. Last week, residents of the Olivia Gardens apartment block in Surry Hills were told their units would have to make way for the project - but they could stay until 2015 when the site was required. Gladys agrees to talk about light rail "While the route has been chosen there are a number of design elements still to be finalised on which we are seeking community input, such as the location of stops and how the route will cross from Surry Hills through to Moore Park," Transport Minister Gladys Berejyklian said. An artist impression of the light rail network at Surry Hills. I've said since day one that there will be disruption while we construct this project but the positive benefit light rail will provide this city for decades to come will be immeasurable. We are getting on with building this project which is going to transform the way people move around Sydney, whether they be commuters or people heading to major sports and entertainment events or to the university or hospital. Opposition mounts against Hay Street mall light rail plan I am very keen to make sure residents and businesses are involved in the project from day one and I'd encourage people with an interest or suggestion to have their say now. Planners will be hoping to avoid the debacle of a similar project on the Gold Coast, where businesses demanded construction end as soon as possible after months of noise, dust and reduced road space. An artist impression of the light rail network at South Dowling St. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied Sydney residents will be asked if they want construction to be done in smaller "windows," meaning work outside their homes or businesses could take longer, or for engineers to work longer hours to get the job done sooner. The community information sessions, which kick off at 4pm today at the State Library, follow one-to-one briefings, workshops with residents and stakeholders and the door knocking of more than 1000 houses and businesses along the 12km route. Subject to planning approvals, construction will begin in 2014 and take five or six years to complete.