Additional funding to get gears going on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

The New South Wales Government has allocated an additional $200 million in Restart NSW funding to get the gear going on the delivery of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project. 

The significant funding will enable planning processes to be carried out in the vital transport link that will connect the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. 

“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,” Premier Chris Minns said. 

The announcement of the additional funding follows the release of changes to the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment that resulted from the project’s Environmental Impact Statement undertaken last year. 

The planned alignment changes 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 

These changes are expected to provide easier connections between the Rydalmere Ferry Wharf and future light rail services, and a shorter route that will improve travel times. Other key benefits of the proposed alignment changes include reduced environmental impacts to the Narawang Wetland at Sydney Olympic Park and impacts to sensitive mangrove vegetation on the Parramatta River. Retention of significant fig trees and improved open spaces at Eric Primrose Reserve in Rydalmere will be included as well. 

“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,” Transport Minister Jo Haylen said. 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment (source: Parramatta Light Rail)

Last year, the State Government committed $602.4 million towards enabling works for the project. 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will deliver 10 kilometres of new rail track that will extend from Stage 1 to Sydney Olympic Park. 

The initial features for Stage 2 include: 

• 14 fully accessible stops integrated into the urban environment 
• High frequency ‘turn up and go’ services seven days a week from 5am to 1am 
• Services approximately 7.5 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays 
• Travel times of around 31 minutes from Carter Street precinct to Camellia via Sydney Olympic Park, and a further 7 minutes to the Parramatta CBD 
• Connects to three transport interchanges on the Stage 1 alignment, the future Sydney Metro West and heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park as well as ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park 
• An 8.5-kilometre active transport link, also known as a walking and bike-riding path, will run parallel to the light rail corridor and link to the existing network 
• A shared light rail and pedestrian zone along Dawn Fraser Avenue in Sydney Olympic Park between Australia Avenue and Olympic Boulevard 
• New light rail and active transport bridges, including vital connections over the Parramatta River from Camellia to Rydalmere and Melrose Park to Wentworth Point 

Planning approval for the overall Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project is expected in early 2024. Procurement is already underway for the construction of the Wentworth to Melrose bridge. 

“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,” Donna Davis MP said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; Parramatta Light Rail (1, 2); Parra News; Rail Express; Roads & Infrastructure Australia