Construction of the Parramatta Light Rail is moving ahead, with the first tracks laid on Church Street, in the heart of the Parramatta CBD.
Work on the section of Church Street between Lennox Bridge to George Street where numerous restaurants and cafés have garnered the strip’s name ‘Eat Street’ is scheduled for completion in mid-2021.
NSW Minister for Transport and Roads Andrew Constance said significant work was completed recently to enable the project to move ahead.
“Up to 500 people per day and 300 each night worked through the Christmas and New Year period to connect utilities and lay tracks for the new light rail network, which will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia.”
Elsewhere on the project, construction is continuing in Westmead with retaining wall works, track excavation, services, storm water, and street lighting being installed.
Between Camellia and Carlingford, work such as steel arch assembly, upstand wall, deck slab, and concrete formwork is underway on the former heavy rail corridor.
“Construction crews are working a combined 8,500 hours a day right across the whole 12-kilometre alignment to deliver this project as quickly as possible, so everyone can enjoy the benefits,” said Constance.
Alleviating the impact on businesses along Eat Street has been a key consideration for the project, and local member Geoff Lee said that businesses could be excited about future stages.
“We thank our local businesses for their patience and understanding during what has been a tough period for many. Seeing the first light rail tracks on ‘Eat Street’ is a positive sign of what’s to come,” Lee said.
“A celebration is planned from August, with a Transport for NSW activation known as ‘Eat Street Uncovered’ to take place before the installation of light rail stops and the commencement of network testing and commissioning.”