Following recent community consultation, an alternative alignment for the Melrose Park section of the future second stage of the Parramatta light rail route will be now be considered.
A submission from residents who live along Wharf Road – which had hitherto been the preferred route for the line from Melrose Park towards Parramatta River – appears to have instigated the investigation into another route option.
Waratah Street, close to Wharf Road, will now be considered as an alternative to Wharf Road for this section of the light rail line.
Between March and May this year Transport for NSW has held thirteen community sessions for the planning of Stage 2, with over 1,600 residents reportedly attending.
“During this period, our community has provided insights to the neighbourhoods, raised issues and concerns, and discussed the benefits and opportunities of light rail as a future transport choice,” state finance minister and Ryde MP Victor Dominello said.
“A submission from residents in the Wharf Road area was submitted and a community information session was held with the residents. I thank the community for their input into this important project.”
State transport minister Andrew Constance said the investigation into the alternate Stage 2 alignment in Melrose Park was the outcome of a responsive and effective consultation process with local residents.
“This is a great outcome for the community and for the Parramatta Light Rail project. We have been working closely with the residents and stakeholders throughout this project and have undertaken extensive community consultation to ensure that we build light rail where the need is greatest,” Constance said.
“Parramatta Light Rail will be a crucial public transport link for the growing communities it will service and I thank the community for engaging with us and sharing their views as we investigate the best route for Stage 2 of the project.”
Currently in its planning phase, the 9-kilometre Stage 2 extension of the Parramatta Light Rail project is to run north of the Parramatta River through Ermington, Melrose Park, before crossing the river to Wentworth Point and on to Sydney Olympic Park. Planning is expected to be finalised this year, and will result in a final business case that will be considered by the NSW government.
Stage 1 of the line – running 2-kilometres between Westmead and Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia – received planning approval in May this year. $258 million was allocated in the state government’s recent budget to get construction underway in late 2018.
