The upcoming State Budget will confirm funding to ensure Stage 2 of the Parramatta Light Rail begins construction in the current term of government.
The investment follows recent NSW Planning Approval for the project, as well as Federal Environmental Approval.
$2 billion will spent to deliver the mammoth project.
The game-changing transport project will unlock development potential and deliver frequent and reliable public transport options for residents that moved into fast-growing suburbs like Wentworth Point.
The 12km alignment will link the Parramatta CBD to Sydney Olympic Park via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point with 14 new stops, three new river crossings and 8.5km of new walking and cycling paths.
Passengers will be able to travel from Sydney Olympic Park to Camellia in around 30 minutes, and on to the Parramatta CBD in another seven minutes.
Construction will be phased, with initial work to begin later this year on a new 320-metre public and active transport bridge over Parramatta River, between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail project is currently in testing and is on track to service tens of thousands of commuters in the coming months.
“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,” Premier Chris Minns said.
“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.
“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.”
Business Western Sydney Executive Director David Borger welcomed the news.
“Business Western Sydney has been a vocal advocate for Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 and we have campaigned continuously to hold both the current and previous government to their commitments to build this project,” he said.
“The commencement of construction on Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 is a testament to the Minns Government’s commitment to fulfilling its election promises. The project’s planning approvals at both the state and federal levels reflect its importance and readiness to proceed.”
Troy Dodds is Parra News' Managing Editor and Breaking News Reporter. He has more than 20 years experience as a journalist, working with some of Australia’s leading media organisations. In 2023, he was named Editor of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.