The NSW government has committed a further $200 million to the Parramatta Light Rail Stage 2, a long-delayed infrastructure project that will deliver important connections for bike riders.
The Parramatta Light Rail will improve public transport access for one of NSW's fastest growing populations.
The first stage will connect Carlingford to the north with Westmead, west of the Parramatta CBD. The shared path running beside the light rail, which is scheduled for completion in 2024, opened for riders and pedestrians in July this year.
Stage 2 of the light rail project is a 10km extension that will connect the Parramatta CBD with Sydney Olympic Park.
It will deliver an 8.5km shared path beside the rail corridor for riders and walkers and include new bridge connections over the Parramatta River from Camellia to Rydalmere and Melrose Park to Wentworth Point.
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The $200 million, promised by NSW Premier Chris Minns in the lead up to the 2023 state election, is expected to expedite the planning process.
The first phase of construction, the 320-metre light rail and active transport bridge between Wentworth Point and Melrose Park, is expected to begin next year.
“The previous government announced and re-announced this project 17 times, we’re putting money where our mouth is and giving this project the impetus it needs," says Minns.
“People bought in to growing communities in the centre of our city on the promise of future public transport links. The previous government couldn’t deliver on that promise, we will."