Seven years after the Sydney Light Rail project was first announced, we finally have an opening date.

The controversial and exhaustive piece of infrastructure will open its doors to the public on Saturday, December 14.

Construction first began in 2015 and has hit constant problems along the way.

The original $1.6-billion budget has blown out to more than $3 billion and the final delivery date is more than a year overdue.

It will be the first tram on Sydney’s streets in nearly 60 years and Premier Gladys Berejiklian says she’s hopeful it will “revitalise our city and transform the way we live, work and go out”.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance tells Steve Price the start date could and hasn’t been rushed.

“We never had finalised the date. We always said publicly we’d go when we’re ready.”

Steve Price raised safety concerns, with no barriers stopping pedestrians from wandering in front of the light rail vehicles.

“We’ve been running education and awareness campaigns for a number of months and the community has been getting used to the trams.

“Ultimately, with any light rail vehicles, there’s always going to be this challenge.”

Click PLAY below to hear the full interview

The trams will be fare-free for the opening weekend with the first service to take off from Circular Quay at 11am on the Saturday.

Services on the CBD and South East Light Rail will run from 5am to 1am every day of the week.