The NSW Government’s plans for the Parramatta Light Rail are underway, with $1 billion allocated to the project, and construction and operation contracts expected to be awarded in the third quarter of 2018.
The light rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia, with key destinations including the Westmead Precinct, the new Western Sydney Stadium, the new Powerhouse Museum and three Western Sydney University campuses as well as brand-new communities at Camellia and Telopea.
Planning approval follows extensive consultation with the community, local businesses and major stakeholders, including Westmead Hospital, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Western Sydney University, the City of Parramatta Council, Western Sydney Business Chamber and the Parramatta Chamber of Commerce.
The business case for stage two is due to be completed by late 2018. Stage two will connect the Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said this is an exciting time for the people of Parramatta and for visitors to this fantastic part of Sydney.
“Parramatta Light Rail will connect major Western Sydney precincts for the first time and make it possible for people to ‘turn up and go’ to employment, cultural, entertainment and sports destinations,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“Parramatta Light Rail will create close to 5000 jobs, connect communities along the route and transform the way that people explore all the attractions that Western Sydney has to offer, with a light rail service every 7.5 minutes in peak periods.”
Parramatta Light Rail is part of the NSW Government’s $80 billion infrastructure pipeline, which includes the largest transport infrastructure program in Australia with $43 billion of investment over the next four years.
