Syd light rail schedule on track: govt

Sydney's busiest CBD street could be back in the hands of business owners by the end of the year with construction on the city's light rail line on track, the NSW government says.

That's despite a change in the schedule that will see three new construction zones being built over the next three months.

Major construction on George Street between King and Park streets is due to be complete before Christmas, making way for a new pedestrian zone and mall, Transport Minister Andrew Constance said on Wednesday.

"That's very pleasing for those businesses and it's something we've been working on," he said on Wednesday.

Mr Constance urged businesses, residents and commuters to make sure they are aware of the new changes.

Testing on the $2 billion rail link from Circular Quay to the eastern suburbs is expected to start by mid-2018, with the full service to open by early 2019.

CONSTRUCTION DATES

March 2016 - December 2016

George St between Alfred and Grosvenor streets

April 2016 - December 2016

George St between Bridge and Margaret streets

April 2016- January 2017

George St between Park and Bathurst streets

July 2016- July 2017

George St between Hunter and King streets

* Source: NSW government