Work to transform the first light rail stop from vision to reality is underway on Church Street with two 23 metre-long 6-tonne canopies lifted into place in a major milestone for stage one of the Parramatta Light Rail project.
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 per cent of locally sourced materials.
“The prefabricated structures including the canopies were built at the factory, craned into place and assembled overnight on Church Street, between Phillip and George streets, 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 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail will connect Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia, and is expected to commence passenger services in 2023.