Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is set to begin construction with a $2 billion investment from the New South Wales Government.
The investment comes as part of the 2024-25 State Budget and follows recent New South Wales Planning Approval for the project, as well as Federal Environmental Approval.
The game-changing transport project will unlock development potential and deliver frequent and reliable public transport options for residents that moved into fast-growing suburbs like Wentworth Point.
The 12km alignment will link the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths.
Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another seven minutes.
Construction will be phased, with initial work to begin later in 2024 on a new 320m public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail project is currently in testing and is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters in the coming months.
The New South Wales Government’s plan has infrastructure built alongside housing to build better, stronger, well-serviced communities in the state.
New South Wales Premier, Chris Minns, said that the State Government is getting on with the job and building this essential project that people who live in the fast-growing suburbs of Western Sydney were promised.
“Stage 2 will directly link residents in Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct,” Mr Minns said.
“The light rail’s forecast to carry 28,000 passengers every day by 2026. That’s a game-changer for communities around Parramatta – connecting venues, schools, shops and people for decades to come.”
New South Wales Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen, said that with testing powering ahead, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is on track to open in the coming months.
“But we know there are more communities that need access to this vital infrastructure investment,” Ms Haylen said.
“This investment will get shovels in the ground and construction started before the end of this parliamentary term. Just as we promised.
“In 2041, 280,000 people are expected to live along the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment.
“They need frequent and reliable public transport services, and we’ll deliver it.”
Image: Harley Kingston/shutterstock.com
