Fourteen new light rail stops will be built in Parramatta in the wake of the approval of the $3.9-billion second stage of the “game-changing megaproject” for western Sydney.
The 10km extension will unlock future housing growth in the region, according to the NSW Government.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via the growing communities of Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
In October last year the state-led rezoning of the Church Street North Precinct was fast-tracked with support from stakeholders in the region.
Construction will be phased—initial work is to begin this year on a 320m-long public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
Procurement to deliver the $602-million bridge is under way, with the initial contract for enabling works expected to be awarded this year.
This will be the first part of delivering the second stage—the main construction work on the bridge is expected to start in 2025.
NSW transport minister Jo Haylen said they just wanted to get on with it.
“Density in our cities is only possible if we can provide the supporting infrastructure and that includes transport,” Haylen said.
“People bought in growing communities in the centre of our city on the promise of future public transport links.
“The NSW Government will continue to work with its partners and stakeholders so that the Conditions of Approval are met for the ongoing delivery of this vital megaproject.”
The light rail will connect the communities of the banks of the Parramatta River directly to the Parramatta CBD.
It is Parramatta’s first tram network in more than 80 years.
Testing is under way on the first stage of the line, between Carlingford and Westmead via the Parramatta CBD.
