It is full steam ahead for the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail project through Sydney’s west, which will deliver a greatly improved travel experience for people who ride bikes.
The Parramatta Light Rail project is a major infrastructure project designed to improve public transport access for one of NSW’s fastest-growing populations.
But a shared path running alongside the light rail will be of huge benefit to bike riders too.
The first section of this path, a 5.7km stretch connecting Carlingford and Parramatta opened last year to offer riders a scenic journey through the area without a single road crossing.
Stage 2 is a 10km extension connecting the Parramatta CBD with Sydney Olympic Park which will encompass a shared path alongside the rail corridor and new bridge connections over the Parramatta River, from Camellia to Rydalmere and Melrose Park to Wentworth Point.
In September last year, the NSW Government committed $200 million to Stage 2 in an effort to expedite the delivery of the long-overdue project, and planning approval has now been granted.
“It’s great news that the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 project has been given the green light,” says Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully. “Density in our cities is only possible if we can provide the supporting infrastructure, and that includes transport.”
Initial works are scheduled to commence later this year on one of the new bridges: a 320m public and active transport connection between Melrose Park and Wentworth Point.
This first phase of construction will be the first significant bridge crossing over Parramatta River since the Ryde Bridge was installed nearly four decades ago.
“Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2 will connect communities on both banks of the Parramatta River directly to the Parramatta CBD,” says Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP. “This will be a real game changer for the way people move around our city and I can’t wait to see work begin.”
Or become our friend and subscribe to receive our fortnightly newsletter.