Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is one step closer with the Minns Government allocating an additional $200 million in Restart NSW reserved funding towards this vital project in the 2023-24 NSW Budget.
The commitment will expedite the project’s planning processes, providing a platform for the government to meet its election commitment to see construction on the project begin this term of Parliament.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is a vital transport link that will connect the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via the growing communities of Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
The 10-kilometre extension will include 14 new light rail stops that will provide residents with a long-awaited public transport link and unlock future housing growth, serving a population of over 277,586 by 2041.
Construction of this game-changing project will be phased, with the first phase being the construction of a 320m long light rail and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. Work on the new bridge will begin in 2024 and will be part of a new 8.5km walking and bike riding path that will run alongside the new light rail corridor.
Changes to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment
This latest commitment comes as updates to the alignment of the future Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 are released, as part of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement that was undertaken last year.
Planned changes to the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment include:
- Camellia foreshore to Rydalmere alignment and bridge amendment
- bridge and route alignment between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point
- replace existing bridge at Hill Road.
The key benefits of these proposed amendments include:
- easier connections between the Rydalmere Ferry Wharf and future light rail services
- a shorter route to improve light rail journey times
- reduced environmental impacts to the Narawang Wetland at Sydney Olympic Park
- reduced impacts to sensitive mangrove vegetation on the Parramatta River
- retention of significant fig trees and improved open spaces at Eric Primrose Reserve in Rydalmere
Planning approval for the full project is expected in early 2024, and procurement is now underway for the Wentworth to Melrose bridge construction works package.
For information about the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project, visit Parramatta Light Rail.
Premier Chris Minns said:
“The previous government announced and re-announced this project 17 times, we’re putting money where our mouth is and giving this project the impetus it needs.
“People bought in to growing communities in the centre of our city on the promise of future public transport links. The previous government couldn’t deliver on that promise, we will.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said:
“The Minns Labor Government has committed to delivering Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and we’re committed to getting it right.
“The small but important changes to the alignment show that we’re listening to what future passengers want, and we’re incorporating their feedback into this game changing infrastructure project.
Donna Davis MP said:
“I’m pleased the NSW Government is investing in Western Sydney and delivering for Western Sydney residents and businesses.”
“I will continue working with the NSW Government to make sure the vital transport links my community needs are delivered.”
