$322m enabling works contract awarded for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2

The New South Wales Government is forging ahead with the delivery of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project with the award of a $322 million contract to John Holland Pty Ltd to deliver the first part of the project. 

The critical enabling works will involve the delivery of the first 1.3 kilometres of new light rail alignment including a 320-metre public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River to link Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. 

Design and early works will commence this year and major construction on the new bridge will begin next year, including upgrades to surrounding public spaces such as Archer Park. 

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

The unnamed new public and active transport bridge will provide a much-needed connection between the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. This structure will form part of 9.5 kilometres of walking and bike-riding paths once the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is completed. 

Construction of the new bridge is expected to create 1,000 jobs, with about 80 per cent of workers based in Western Sydney. 

Works are going to be limited to weekdays where possible, limiting Saturday works to critical bridge construction only. 

“This is a significant step towards delivering the much-anticipated extension of the Parramatta Light Rail. 

“The new bridge will ensure the growing communities of Melrose Park and Wentworth Point are well-connected. It will enhance connectivity, reduce congestion, and boost economic growth. 

“This development is part of our vision for a sustainable and connected Greater Sydney, building the infrastructure needed to improve accessibility and support our growing communities,” Minister for Transport Jo Haylen said. 

Earlier this year, the State Government announced that it will commit $2.1 billion towards the delivery of the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 through the 2024-25 State Budget. 

Key features of this major transport infrastructure project include: 

• 14 fully accessible stops over a 10-kilometre two-way track 

• Connections to Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1, Sydney Metro West 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 Camellia to the Carter Street Precinct via Sydney Olympic Park, and a further 7 minutes to the Parramatta CBD 

“Our community has been promised Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 for years, and it’s exciting that the Labor Government is finally delivering. 

“Investigation works will begin this summer, with shovels in the ground next year. I cannot wait to see this new bridge spring to life,” Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Parramatta Light Rail; John Holland; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Infrastructure Magazine