The NSW Government has announced a new light rail line in western Sydney, providing improved public transport options in the area around Parramatta.
The proposed route will run from Westmead station west of Parramatta past the Westmead hospitals through North Parramatta and the Parramatta CBD to Camellia near Rosehill racecourse. The main line will continue from there via Sydney Olympic Park to the transport hub Strathfield. A branch line will provide connections from Camellia to Carlingford along the current Carlingford heavy rail line.
NSW Premier Mike Baird said the project will kick-start revitalisation and jobs growth along the 22 km corridor.
"We’re delivering a modern, efficient and reliable light rail network for Western Sydney," he said.
"The light rail network will help Parramatta reach its potential as Sydney’s second CBD and be a major boost to existing public transport services in Western Sydney."
Details of timing and costings are yet to be finalised although the Premier said the Government had already reserved $1 billion for the project, was introducing a Special Infrastructure Contribution to provide additional revenue, and was exploring funding contributions from the federal and local governments.
He said work will now begin on a final business case and assessment of the preferred network, which will include planning, design and consultation with key stakeholders along the network to develop the staging of the project, the exact light rail route and stops, and the final project cost.
The Government investigated four short-listed corridors for the project and the preferred network includes a combination of two of these options. The other two provided connections from Parramatta to Castle Hill or Bankstown.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance described it as a fantastic new public transport option for Western Sydney.
“We’ve started building in Sydney’s CBD. Newcastle light rail is on track and now progress for Western Sydney is about to crack on," he said.
An artist's impression of a tram passing through Olympic Park. Image: Transport for NSW.