The NSW Government has given the green light to begin construction of the main works on the second stage of Parramatta Light Rail, a project which will eventually connect Sydney’s second CBD with Sydney Olympic Park.

Construction will begin in early 2027 on the new 10-kilometre route that will link Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Olympic Park over 14 light rail stops.

The final 10 kilometres of the Parramatta light rail line will be built in two sections with the approved construction of the first stretch from Camellia to the fast-growing suburb of Wentworth Point, to start by the time of the state election in March next year.

In the coming weeks, the NSW Government will begin procurement for this next phase of construction works – known as Stage 2a.

The project runs through one of the fastest-growing areas of Sydney and will provide the transport infrastructure to support new housing going in, particularly around Wentworth Point which has developed without sufficient public transport links.

This phase of new work is expected to create more than 2000 construction and other jobs in Western Sydney.

Main Works will deliver:

• 4.5kms of track
• a new bridge linking Camellia and Rydalmere
• nine new stops
• an expanded Stabling and Maintenance Facility
• additional light rail vehicles.

With funding to date of $3 billion, Stage 2 will link to the existing Parramatta Light Rail system which carries up to 90,000 passengers a week.

Along with the procurement of the Main Works contract, the project will now focus on early works, site investigations, detailed utility designs, and commencement of property acquisitions.

Major construction is already underway on the first phase – the enabling works for Stage 2, which includes the construction of piles that will hold the first new public and active transport bridge crossing of the Parramatta River in more than three and a half decades.

The business case for Stage 2 has been finalised, and Federal Environmental and NSW Planning approvals have been secured.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“Labor committed to delivering the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail system and today we open the way for construction works to begin via the main works contract, which will shortly go out to tender.

“Linking Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park will provide a much-needed public transport link that was so often promised under the former Liberal government but never delivered, despite the rapid population and housing growth that has made this part of Sydney such a fast-growing area.

“The Minns Labor Government is focused on delivery of transport infrastructure that keeps up with the housing development Sydney needs and gives people – particularly those who have moved into Western Sydney – a viable alternative to sitting in a car in traffic.”

Member for Parramatta Donna Davis said:

“Giving the green light to begin construction of Stage 2a Main Works will boost Western Sydney’s economy and support the new housing hubs at Melrose Park, Wentworth Point, Sydney Olympic Park and the Carter Street precinct.

“Expanding the system to Sydney Olympic Park will be another game-changer for jobs, leisure and, importantly, to provide public transport to some areas that have never had it before.

“Parramatta Light Rail’s first year of operation has improved connectivity in our area, giving local residents and visitors to our city another transport alternative to jumping in the car.”

For more information, visit: www.nsw.gov.au/parramatta-light-rail