Preparation for the Parramatta Light Rail is underway with the contract for ‘Enabling Works’ ahead of its construction, awarded.
The Diona Ward Joint venture – comprising Diona and Ward Civil & Environmental Engineering – has been appointed to deliver the works, which includes the relocation of underground utilities, intersection upgrades, new traffic lights, landscaping and changes to street lanes and parking.
George Street in the Parramatta CBD will become two-way and O’Connell Street will be widened to four lanes as part of the works.
Parramatta Light Rail Program Director Tim Poole said the enabling works are vital to keep the city moving and to minimise traffic for Parramatta residents.
“These changes, while not directly along the Parramatta Light Rail route, will provide additional capacity and connections for everyone in the CBD before, during and after the light rail construction,” Mr. Poole said.
“Parramatta Light Rail will be fantastic for the region when it opens in 2023, with nearly 30,000 people predicted to use it every day by 2026 to reach essential services and destinations across Western Sydney.”
The works are expected to begin in late 2018 and is the second of four major contracts announced to facilitate the construction and operation of Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail.
A contract to remediate the planned light rail depot site was awarded in April 2018.
Contracts to deliver infrastructure works, and supply, operate and maintain the Parramatta Light Rail are currently out to tender and will be awarded by the end of this year.
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