But beyond those projects, Transport for NSW and Roads and Maritime Services are also considering narrowing a footpath between Wynyard and Barangaroo. The footpaths along Market street are to be changed and narrowed to allow more traffic. Credit:Kate Geraghty A spokesman for Transport for NSW confirmed the department is considering re-instating a traffic lane along Margaret Street when the Wynyard Walk, an alternative path to Barangaroo, is opened next year. "A Margaret Street traffic lane was converted to a pedestrian footpath during construction of Wynyard Walk," the spokesman said. "Reinstatement of that lane for traffic will be considered following the opening of Wynyard Walk in 2016."

The narrowing of footpaths to add more room for cars provides another flashpoint in the combustible relationship between Clover Moore's City of Sydney Council and the NSW government.

The Council objected strongly to the plan to narrow the Market Street footpath, saying it was used by more than 4000 pedestrians an hour at lunchtime. The Council also opposes adding more traffic lanes on Margaret Street. "The City recognises the need to maintain vehicle access during the light rail construction, however walking accounts for 92 per cent of all trips within the Sydney CBD and many footpaths are already overcrowded, particularly at intersections," a spokeswoman for the council said. "The City doesn't support reducing the Margaret Street footpath when Wynyard Walk is finished, as both will be needed to accommodate increased numbers of people walking to and from Barangaroo," she said.

On Market Street, a row of poplar trees across from the Queen Victoria Building will soon be ripped up. And opinion on the street was mixed this week about the work soon to start. "It's definitely going to ease the traffic, which I think they really need to do," said one pedestrian, Noni. "The traffic's insane in Sydney at the moment." Others, however, said the city should be made easier for pedestrians to move about, not cars. "The road's really busy as it is. I don't really think it would make things any better," said Kirsty. "It might endanger pedestrians."

As part of the light rail project, George Street will be pedestrianised between Bathurst and Hunter streets. The government's CBD Transport Co-ordinator-General, Marg Prendergast, said this week that construction would take place at 17 locations through the city to help prepare for the light rail project. "At many locations, including Market, King, College and Sussex streets, we are adding capacity so all road users, from buses and taxis to delivery vehicles and tradespeople, can move around as easily as possible," Ms Prendergast said. "These 17 projects are a big part of keeping Sydney moving without George Street performing its traditional role as a key north-south vehicle route."