WORK to transform the first light rail stop from vision to reality is underway on Church St with two 23m-long 6-tonne canopies lifted into place.
It is a major milestone for Stage One of the Parramatta Light Rail project.
And the much discussed Stage Two linking the Olympic Park to Parramatta is going ahead with State Government committing $602M to the project in the State Budget.
Minister for Transport and Veterans David Elliott said the installation of the canopy marked a significant achievement in the Parramatta Light Rail moving one step closer to delivering Western Sydney commuters a first-class transport system.
“This city-shaping project will give commuters a choice in the way they travel which is vital in connecting communities, people and businesses,” Mr Elliott said.
“Parramatta Light Rail is being delivered with Australian businesses in mind, not only supporting local manufacturing and jobs, but also using innovative construction methods to minimise disruption.
“The canopies for the light rail stops are also a showpiece of the great work by Silverwater based manufacturing company, Icon Metal, engaged to manufacture and install the state-of-the-art, prefabricated light rail stop components which will use 80% of locally sourced materials.
“The prefabricated structures including the canopies were built at the factory, craned into place and assembled overnight on Church St, between Phillip and George Sts, to reduce construction impacts on site,” Mr Elliott said.
Member for Parramatta Geoff Lee said the final stop design was informed by extensive research, consultation with the community including accessibility groups, independent design review and prototyping.
“A full-scale light rail stop prototype was built and tested to ensure its design and features delivered the best customer experience. The stops will be fully accessible to accommodate a significant volume of people of different abilities, particularly during busy periods such as major sporting and community events.
“The Light Rail will improve access to the CBD and deliver an economic boost to Parramatta’s retail, hospitality and night-time businesses,” Mr Lee said.
Stage One of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and is expected to open in 2023.
Stage Two will service the Olympic Park precinct via Camellia, Rydalmere, Ermington, Melrose Park and Wentworth Point. It will bring the vision of a ‘30 minute’ city closer to reality.
The biggest feature of Stage Two will be a new bridge across the Parramatta River.
See video here: https://youtu.be/N-tAwW0oBXQ
