Construction on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is set to commence in 2025, with a contract signed for the first phase of the project.
The $322 million contract was awarded to John Holland Pty Ltd to deliver the construction of the first 1.3km of new light rail alignment, including a 320m bridge over the Parramatta River.
New artist’s impression images have been released showing the bridge between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point that will carry buses, light rail and people walking and cycling over the Parramatta River.
Design and early works will begin this year, before major bridge construction starts in 2025. It marks the first major bridge crossing the Parramatta River since the Ryde Bridge was completed nearly 40 years ago. This work will also see upgrades to surrounding public spaces including Archer Park.
The new public and active transport bridge, which is yet to be named, will provide a much-needed link between the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point, north and south of the river. It will form part of 9.5kms of walking and bike-riding paths once Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is complete.
Construction of the bridge is expected to generate 1000 jobs, with 80 per cent of those based in Western Sydney.
In the 2024-25 New South Wales Budget, the State Government provisioned $2.1 billion towards the delivery of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 to build better, more connected communities as the west continues to grow.
This significant milestone is a crucial step forward in extending the Parramatta Light Rail network, which will help get locals where they need to go, take pressure off roads, and support housing growth across Greater Parramatta.
John Holland Pty Ltd was selected as the successful company following a competitive tender process, with interest from 19 leading organisations across Australia and around the world.
Works will be limited to weekdays where possible, limiting Saturday works to critical bridge construction activities only.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect to Stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, and Wentworth Point with 14 stops over 10 kilometres.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 between Westmead and Carlingford (L4) is in the final stages of testing and commissioning, with passenger services expected to start before the end of the year.
New South Wales Minister for Transport Jo Haylen, said, “This is a significant step towards delivering the much-anticipated extension of the Parramatta Light Rail.
“The new bridge will ensure the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point are well-connected. It will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth.
“This development is part of our vision for a sustainable and connected Greater Sydney, building the infrastructure needed to improve accessibility and support our growing communities.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said the community has been promised Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 for years, and it’s exciting that the State Government is finally delivering.
“Investigation works will begin this summer, with shovels in the ground next year. I cannot wait to see this new bridge spring to life.”
