The New South Wales Government is committing $50 million for planning and development works of Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail in the upcoming 2021-22 NSW Budget.
The funding will go towards planning, utilities and geotechnical investigations, as well as progress the development of the project’s Environmental Impact Statement.
New South Wales Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said this funding would ensure the project was ‘shovel ready’.
“This area is growing at an exponential rate and requires infrastructure that is smart, future-proof and will offer the community a variety of transport choices,” the minister said.
The NSW Government previously announced a preferred route for the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail that would connect Stage 1 and Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park.
The announcement by NSW Government for the second stage planning of the light rail project comes seven months after NSW Transport Minister Andrew Constance indicated he was considering a trackless tram option for the route.
The announcement was welcomed by the Australian Railway Association Chief Executive Officer Caroline Wilkie.
“Today’s announcement provides much needed certainty for this critical project and will ensure the benefits of light rail can be shared by more people in Sydney’s west,” Ms Wilkie said.
“It is pleasing to see the New South Wales Government further its rail investment to support the state’s long term growth.”
The Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 and 2 will provide links with Sydney Metro West at Parramatta, Westmead and Sydney Olympic Park and the existing rail network at Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park as well as ferries at Parramatta, Rydalmere and Wentworth Point.
Major construction of the $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is underway, connecting Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence operations in 2023.
The New South Wales Government has awarded a Downer/CPB Contractors joint venture the $840 million contract to build Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail, which will connect Westmead to Carlingford in Sydney with a 12-kilometre, two-way track.
Related stories:
- Parramatta’s $1B light rail stage 1 gets planning approval
- Early works underway for Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1
- Contracts won to deliver Parramatta Light Rail – Stage 1