A 5.3 million transport link connecting Alfred Street Bridge with local schools has been labelled a “huge win” for the community, as testing for the Parramatta Light Rail hits the halfway mark.
The NSW Government has today announced a “safe separated cycleway” will connect students from Rosehill Public and Maronite College of the Holy Family to the new Alfred Street Bridge – filling a missing active transport link.
The project will also include new trees and lighting upgrades to ensure crossing points and the path remain safe at night.
The investment is part of a $60 million Get NSW Active grants round.
It comes as testing on Parramatta Light Rail officially passes the halfway mark.
Transport Minister Jo Haylen said the new Alfred Street walking and cycling link combined with the Parramatta Light Rail passing the halfway mark will add to the growing number of ways people can travel around the Parramatta CBD.
“While Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 gets closer to completion, other projects are now underway. Our investment in the Alfred Street walking and cycling link will make it safer and easier for kids and families to ride their bikes,” she said.
“The bicycle spots in the new trams will make it easier for people to mix up the way they travel, so you can pedal from home to the nearest light rail stop, then roll straight onto the tram.”
Up to eight trams are being tested at a time, seven days a week, with the performance of each vehicle being monitored closely while drivers get familiar with the alignment, including when crowds are heading to major events at CommBank Stadium.
State Member for Parramatta Donna Davis welcomed the announcement.
“In the coming months, Parramatta will be transformed by the new light rail, plus the investment announced today means it’ll be easier for more people to walk and cycle across our city too,” she added.”
“Our new walking and cycling paths are already so popular, I can’t wait to see how many people put on their walking shoes or start pushing pedals when they all finally link together.”
The NSW Government said the Parramatta Light Rail testing milestone means the project is on track to welcome passengers in the coming months.
“We are a step closer to seeing the first passengers travelling on trams in the heart of our city and we’re very excited that Parramatta Light Rail will soon be operational,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber said.
“This is a huge win for our community – it means more people can connect to the heart of Greater Sydney with these new transport connections – so people can hop on a bike to get to work, school or for leisure.”
Ellie Busby is a news reporter for Western Sydney Publishing Group. A graduate of the University of Hertfordshire and Western Sydney University, she is a journalism Major. Ellie has worked with Universal Media, The Cova Project and for a range of other organisations. In 2024, Ellie was named Young Writer of the Year at the Mumbrella Publish Awards.