New transport links ready to criss-cross Parramatta as Light Rail testing reaches halfway mark
A missing link on the popular new Alfred Street walking and cycling path will be filled, thanks to a $5.3 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
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A missing link on the popular new Alfred Street walking and cycling path will be filled, thanks to a $5.3 million investment from the Minns Labor Government.
It comes as testing on Parramatta Light Rail officially passes the halfway mark, which, combined with the new Alfred Street walking and cycling link, will secure smoother and more connected journeys in the growing CBD than ever before.
Once complete, the safe separated cycleway will connect students from Rosehill Public and Maronite College of the Holy Family to the new Alfred Street Bridge, a $19 million connection across the Parramatta River.
The project includes new trees, to keep people walking and cycling cool in summer, 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, launched today by the NSW Government.
It features two key construction projects in Parramatta and design funding for a third. A total of 37 projects across Greater Sydney have received $35.1 million in funding. An additional $24.9 million has been allocated to design and build new projects in regional NSW.
Passengers in Western Sydney are a step closer to using their new active transport links to pedal over the Parramatta River and wheel their bike onto a 45-metre-long light rail vehicle, which come equipped with 4 bike spots.
The Parramatta Light Rail testing milestone means the project is on track to welcome passengers in the coming months.
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.
The trams are travelling along the full alignment from Carlingford to Westmead, stopping at all 16 stops and crossing 23 intersections. Load testing is now complete, which saw more than 1500 sandbags placed on board to represent the weight of a full load of 400 passengers.
The extensive testing and commissioning program started in December 2023 to ensure the vehicles and network are functioning safely and reliably.
The community is reminded to stop, listen and look around when walking, riding or driving near the light rail.
When the light rail is fully operational, passengers will have access to services approximately every 7.5 minutes in peak periods.
This is all part of the Minns Labor Government’s plan to build better communities for NSW. To ensure we’re creating and building on well-connected, well-serviced neighbourhoods.
A plan to build a better NSW.
For more information, visit the Parramatta Light Rail webpage.
Quotes attributable to Transport Minister Jo Haylen MP:
“It’s all happening in Parramatta.
“Tram testing has passed 50% mark and 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.
“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.
“It’s exciting seeing all of this work becoming a reality, I can’t wait to test ride the Alfred Street cycle link when all the work is complete.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Parramatta Donna Davis MP:
“As our city grows, it’s great to see government investment in public and active transport is keeping pace.
“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.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to Parramatta Lord Mayor Pierre Esber:
“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.
“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.
“I thank Transport for NSW and their support through the Get NSW Active Program to help create more active transport routes across our City.”
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