Major construction works on the Parramatta Light Rail project have begun on “Eat Street”, as part of a move to revitalise the dining strip.
The light rail works involve the removal of the existing pavement and road surface, deep excavation, and moving or replacing underground utilities including water, gas pipes and telecommunication services.
A micro-tunnelling machine beneath the ground will reduce noise and impact compared to street-level work, moving up to 10m a day.
The precinct, closed to car traffic in February 2020 ahead of light rail works, has been impacted by COVID-19 lockdown measures, but stands to benefit from a vibrant program of events and activities planned to celebrate the distinctiveness of the area.
The $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail project will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia and is expected to open in 2023.
Further NSW Government support measures will include:
- Realise Business, appointed by Transport for NSW to deliver free business support services, continues to provide guidance to businesses affected by light rail construction
- Nearly 2,000m of colourful shade cloth and hoarding will highlight the array of local retailers and reflect the popular dining area’s rich cultural diversity
- ‘Activate Parramatta’, a new app, will be launched to attract the community, residents and visitors to dine or shop at businesses along the light rail route, as COVID-19 restrictions continue to ease
- A ‘Dine, Scan, Win’ shop local campaign will give the community a chance to win weekly prizes from participating restaurants, cafes and takeaway shops
A construction grace period will see works cease on 1 November 2020 until 1 February 2021 and outdoor dining restored over the busy warmer months.
NSW Minister for Transport, Andrew Constance, said teams would be working hard over the next five months to make the most of this time.
“Our construction timetable together with innovative engineering techniques will see this precinct through to a fantastic new light rail network that will bring passengers into the heart of Parramatta,” Mr Constance said.
