Construction of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will begin under the current NSW Government, with a $2 billion investment to build better, connected communities in Sydney’s growing west, Premier Chris Minns pledged today.
The Premier said the 2024-25 Budget paves the way for the Government to meet its election commitment; to start construction on the project in this term of government.
“We’re getting on with the job and building this essential project that people who live in the fast growing suburbs of Western Sydney were promised,” he said.
“People moved into the area with the promise of infrastructure that never arrived. The NSW Labor Government is now delivering.”
Stage 2 will directly link Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct residents in Parramatta to the Sydney Olympic Park precinct.
“The light rail’s forecast to carry 28,000 passengers every day by 2026.  That’s a game-changer for communities around Parramatta – connecting venues, schools, shops and people for decades to come,” said the Premier.
The investment follows recent NSW Planning Approval for the project, as well as Federal Environmental Approval.
Minister for Transport, Jo Haylen said the transport project will unlock development potential and deliver frequent and reliable public transport options for residents that moved into fast-growing suburbs like Wentworth Point.
“With testing powering ahead, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is on track to open in the coming months,” said Ms Haylen.
“But we know there are more communities that need access to this vital infrastructure investment.
“This investment will get shovels in the ground and construction started before the end of this parliamentary term. Just as we promised.”
The 12km alignment will link the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths.
Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another 7 minutes.
“In 2041, 280,000 people are expected to live along the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment,” said Minister Haylen.
“They need frequent and reliable public transport services, and we’ll deliver it.”
Construction will be phased, with initial work to begin later this year on a new 320-metre public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail project is currently in testing and is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters in the coming months.
