Major contracts awarded for $2.4bn Parramatta Light Rail project

A major milestone has been marked on the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail project that will link Westmead to Carlingford through Parramatta CBD and Camellia in New South Wales, with two major contracts awarded for works on Stage 1.

“We are excited to confirm the NSW Government is investing in not one but two experienced consortia to deliver us a world-class light rail.

“Between then, these teams have delivered the Newcastle, Canberra and Gold Coast Stage 2 light rail networks that have transformed these cities for the better,” Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance said.

The first major contract - valued at $840 million - is for the delivery of the light rail system and it has been awarded to the joint venture between Downer EDI and CPB Contractors.

Downer Chief Executive Officer Grant Fenn commented: “We look forward to delivering this major project which will see the growing region of Parramatta become better connected through the improved accessibility that light rail brings.”

CIMIC Group Chief Executive Officer Michael Wright also said: “We’re pleased to work collaboratively with NSW Government to bring our disciplined planning and project delivery to enable the ongoing development of Parramatta as a vibrant and increasingly important business and community centre.”

Source: Parramatta Light Rail

The second major contract at is valued at $536 million has been awarded to the Great River City Light Rail consortium - comprising of Transdev and CAF Rail Australia - for the supply and operation of the networks as well as the delivery of the depot, light rail stops and power systems.

The consortium will also be operating from its future headquarter in Camellia and is expected to open opportunities for local employment.

“Transdev is honoured to have been chosen to supply, operate and maintain Parramatta Light Rail as part of the Great River City Light Rail team consortium,” Transdev Chief Officer Light Rail Operations Brian Brennan said.

Under their contracts, the two winning tenderers are required to commit to employ locally and the construction teams to carry out work around evenings and peak times.

Stage 1 of the multi-billion dollar Parramatta Light Rail project will comprise of:

• Light rail track, roadworks and stop platforms

• Transport interchanges at Westmead, Parramatta CBD and Carlingford

• New light rail and pedestrian zones along Church and Macquarie Streets in the Parramatta CBD, and urban design

Once completed, the Parramatta Light Rail will be able to provide a “turn up and go” service every 7.5 minutes during peak times.

Construction is expected to commence in 2019, with Stage 1 anticipated to be operational in 2023.

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Source: Transport for NSW; CPB Contractors; Downer EDI; Transdev; Parramatta Light Rail