The New South Wales Government has given the green light for main construction to begin on Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail project in Sydney – but it will be built in two phases instead of one.
Main works on Stage 2a of the new 10-kilometre route are expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
Enabling works, including construction of a new bridge over the Paramatta River, are already underway.
When both phases of Stage 2 are complete, the project will connect Stage 1 and the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point via 14 light rail stops.
In the coming weeks, the New South Wales Government will begin procurement for the next phase of construction works.
Stage 2a will deliver 4.5 kilometres of track, a new bridge linking Camellia and Rydalmere , nine new stops , an expanded stabling and maintenance facility and an extra 13 light rail vehicles.
It is expected to create more than 2000 jobs in Western Sydney.
Along with the procurement of the Main Works contract, the project will now move on to early works, site investigations, detailed utility designs, and property acquisitions.
Minister for Transport John Graham said: “The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery of transport infrastructure that keeps up with the housing development Sydney needs and gives people – particularly those who have moved into Western Sydney – a viable alternative to sitting in a car in traffic.”
Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said: “Giving the green light to begin construction of Stage 2a Main Works will boost Western Sydney’s economy and support the new housing hubs at Melrose Park, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Carter Street precinct.
“Expanding the system to Sydney Olympic Park will be another game-changer for jobs, leisure and, importantly, to provide public transport to some areas that have never had it before.
“Parramatta Light Rail’s first year of operation has improved connectivity in our area, giving local residents and visitors to our city another transport alternative to jumping in the car.”
The government has not yet said when Stage 2b will begin construction. The whole 10 kilometres of Stage 2 was originally expected to be completed by 2032.
