The NSW Government has awarded two major contracts to build and operate stage one of the Parramatta Light Rail project that will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
The $840 million major contract to build the light rail system has been awarded to Downer and CPB Contractors in a joint venture, while the $536 million contract to supply and operate the network and build the depot, light rail stops and power systems has been awarded to the Great River City Light Rail consortium.
The Great River City Light Rail consortium includes Transdev, the operator of Sydney’s Inner West Light Rail, and CAF Rail Australia, which supplies vehicles for the Inner West and Newcastle light rail networks.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia with a 12km, two-way track. The project includes construction of:
- Light rail track, roadworks and stop platforms;
- Transport interchanges at Westmead, Parramatta CBD and Carlingford; and
- New light rail and pedestrian zones along Church and Macquarie Streets in the Parramatta CBD, and urban design
CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer, Michael Wright, said, “The Parramatta Light Rail project strongly aligns with CIMIC Group’s expertise in providing city-shaping infrastructure to enable economic growth and meet the needs of future generations.
“We’re pleased to work collaboratively with NSW Government to bring our disciplined planning and project delivery to enable the ongoing development of Parramatta as a vibrant and increasingly important business and community centre.”
CPB Contractors Managing Director, Juan Santamaria, said the project continued CPB Contractors’ strong growth in the rail sector and its commitment to western Sydney.
“Our experience on Sydney Metro and the Gold Coast and Canberra light rail projects means we understand how to deliver this important project working closely with the government, local businesses and the wider community,” Mr Santamaria said.
“With our involvement in the early earthworks for Western Sydney Airport and delivery of The Northern Road upgrade between Luddenham and Glenmore Park, we’re also pleased to continue playing a key role in western Sydney’s rapid development.”
The final budget for the project has been confirmed as $2.4 billion, which includes the two major contracts, early and enabling works, road network upgrades, new bridges and active transport links, urban design, changes to the bus network and project costs from 2015-2023.
Remediation works began in October at the site of the future light rail Stabling and Maintenance facility at Camellia, and roadworks to prepare the Parramatta CBD and North Parramatta by redirecting traffic flow are underway.
Construction will commence in 2019, with Stage 1 scheduled to begin services in 2023.
