EOI process for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 now underway

Procurement is progressing on the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project in Western Sydney as the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process commences. 

Both local and global industry leaders have shown their interest in delivering the transformative infrastructure project during the Registrations of Interest phase last year. 

“We’ve seen strong interest from industry leaders excited to design and construct the first phase of Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, the new 320-metre-long public and active transport bridge over the Parramatta River between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park. 

“Many of those shortlisted industry organisations will now be invited to participate in the Expressions of Interest (EOI) process for the enabling works package, which includes the delivery of the bridge and approaches on either side of the river – totalling 1.3 kilometres, with construction expected to start in 2024, subject to planning approvals,” Minister for Transport, Veterans and Western Sydney David Elliott said. 

The New South Wales Government has committed approximately $602.4 million to get the gear going on detailed planning for the project. This significant investment will also enable early works and the construction of the new bridge over the Parramatta River to begin. 

“When completed, the new bridge will be the first significant crossing over the Parramatta River since 1987 and will provide essential public transport access for the growing communities north and south of the river and onto Sydney Olympic Park,” Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said. 

The project’s Environmental Impact Statement received over 125 submissions late last year and the team has engaged with more than 850 people. The virtual engagement room was also visited by more than 2,500 people. A submission report is already in the works and it is expected to be released later this year. 

The Expressions of Interest process will close on 14 March 2023. 

Stage 2 map (source: Parramatta Light Rail)

The Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project will have the following features and benefits: 

• 14 fully accessible stops over a 10-kilometre two-way track 
• Connections to Sydney Metro West and heavy rail in Parramatta and Sydney Olympic Park; and ferry services at Rydalmere and Sydney Olympic Park 
• An 8.5-kilometre walking and bike-riding path parallel to the light rail corridor, linking to the existing network 
• A shared light rail and pedestrian zone along Dawn Fraser Avenue in Sydney Olympic Park between Australia Avenue and Olympic Boulevard 
• New light rail 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 

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is going to connect to Stage 1 and Parramatta’s CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth. The second stage will have about 14 stops over a 10-kilometre stretch, connecting local communities in the Greater Parramatta and Olympic Peninsula. 

This project brings the State’s vision of a ‘30-minute city’ a step closer to reality. 

Source: NSW Government – Media Releases; NSW Government – Parramatta Light Rail (1, 2); Inside Construction