$2bn funding injection to get the ball rolling on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

The New South Wales Government is forging ahead with the construction of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project as it invests $2 billion through the 2024-25 State Budget. 

This funding commitment follows the recent NSW Planning Approval and Federal Environmental Approval for the development. 

“Our community has been promised this vital transport link for years, and now Labor is delivering. 

“As Lord Mayor, and now Member for Parramatta, I’ve advocated tirelessly for many years about this project and I’m so pleased the Premier and Minister have listened,” Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said. 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will include: 

• 14 fully accessible stops over a 10-kilometre two-way track 
• Connections to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, Sydney Metro West (under construction) and heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park; and ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park 
• A total of 9.5 kilometres of integrated active transport (including 8.5 kilometres of new shared paths) to support healthy, liveable and connected communities 
• A shared light rail and pedestrian zone along Dawn Fraser Avenue in Sydney Olympic Park between Australia Avenue and Olympic Boulevard 
• New public and active transport bridges, including connections over the Parramatta River from Camellia to Rydalmere and Melrose Park to Wentworth Point 
• Services approximately every 7.5 minutes between 7am and 7pm on weekdays 
• Travel times of around 31 minutes from Camellua to the Carter Street Precinct via Sydney Olympic Park, and a further 7 minutes to the Parramatta CBD 

This game-changing transport project will not only unlock development potential, but this will also provide frequent and reliable public transport options to residents that moved to booming suburbs such as Wentworth Point. 

“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. 

“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,” Premier Chris Minns said. 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 map (source: NSW Government)

Construction of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will be carried out in phases. Initial works will commence later this year on a new 320-metre public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. 

The first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project is currently in testing and is on track to begin service in the coming months. 

“With testing powering ahead, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is on track to open in the coming months. 

“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. 

“In 2041, 280,000 people are expected to live along the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 alignment. They need frequent and reliable public transport services, and we’ll deliver it,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said. 

In November 2023, three shortlisted tenderers for the Enabling Works package were announced. This included: 

• CPB Contractors Pty Ltd and McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd joint venture 
• Fulton Hogan Construction Pty Ltd and SRG Global joint venture 
• John Holland Group Pty Ltd 

The Enabling Works contract will be awarded this year and major construction on the bridge over Parramatta River will begin in 2025. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Parramatta Light Rail; The Urban Developer; Parra News; Infrastructure Magazine; Roads & infrastructure Australia