Sydney Light Rail Dreaming

["Garry Hoddinett" <hoddos@netspace.net.au>]

I understand that the state government (at least in the short term) do not
want the Sydney Light Rail network to extend through the main CBD area to
Circular Key due to perceived traffic congestion problems and because its
perceived as a threat to their bus services.  So this lead me onto some
dreaming.........

Couldn't the line existing line turn north up Castlereagh Street, take a
dive through a low profile tunnel and join Bradfield's old "Eastern Suburbs"
railway tunnels in the south east corner of Hyde Park?  The light rail would
follow these tunnels through St James up to their end somewhere in the
vacinity of Macquarie Place.  The tunnel could be extended to rise up in
Reiby Place and the now surface tramway would turn north up Pitt Street,
cross Alfred Street and then terminate adjacent to the ferry wharves at
Circular Quay.  Stations would be Whitlam Square, Park Street, St James,
Bent Street and Circular Quay.  To reduce costs any new tunnels would be of
a low profile to suit the light rail vehicles.

This route would seem to cause few traffic congestion problems and may even
be cheaper than building a surface line through city streets.  Any comments?