Revealed: Light rail builder makes pitch to design, finance light rail line on Parramatta Rd

The builder of Sydney’s CBD light rail system is willing to design and fund an extension of the network down Parramatta Rd in a move it says could ‘transform’ the beleaguered road corridor and cut car congestion.

NST

The builder of Sydney’s CBD light rail system is willing to design and fund an extension of the network down Parramatta Rd in a move it says could ‘transform’ the beleaguered road corridor and cut car congestion.

Altrac is calling on the NSW Government to expand the city’s light network by creating a new line on Parramatta Rd connecting key sites including Central Station, the University of Sydney, RPA Hospital and Leichhardt’s Norton St.

Concept images of the proposal released by Altrac have given a glimpse into how the light rail line could transform the road corridor which has long been considered a congested ‘blight’ on the city’s landscape.

Altrac, the operator of the existing Sydney CBD and southeast light rail line, has even expressed willingness to design, build and help finance an extension down Parramatta Rd.

Duncan Edghill, chief executive of Altrac Light Rail, said a line on Parramatta Rd would be a “natural extension” of the current network.

A concept photo by Altrac showing what a tram line on Parramatta Rd could look like.

“Light rail is proven to attract new housing and more housing choice and the line would enable workers and students to live within an easy commute of jobs and schools along the route,” he said.

“The proof already exists that light rail can completely revitalise the Sydney streetscape. George St has been vastly changed for the better by light rail and Parramatta Rd can be transformed too.”

The proposed line would extend to Leichhardt, pictured here at the Norton St / Parramatta Rd intersection.

Concept designs by Altrac suggest the extended light rail line would run in the centre of Parramatta Rd, meaning several traffic lanes would have to be removed.

The removal of lanes could have major traffic implications for the transport corridor which Transport for NSW figures show carries about 59,000 cars each day.

Mr Edghill said the light rail on Parramatta Rd could “coexist” with vehicles and help even reduce car congestion by providing commuters with an alternative public transport option.

“As Sydney’s population grows, it will be unsustainable to have more and more cars on Parramatta Rd – light rail will provide an attractive alternative,” he said.

A light rail line could transform Parramatta Rd.

“Patronage will grow over time, particularly as more and more people are able to live close to the light rail line.”

The total length of the proposed Parramatta Rd line would measure 11km – a similar size to the inner west light rail line – and could also extend east from Central Station to the population growth centre of Green Square.

Mr Edghill said the extension needed the NSW Government’s support and approval and pledged that Altrac “stands ready to make it happen”.

The line could connect key sites including the University of Sydney.

The government, however, has yet to express any firm support towards the project, with a Transport for NSW spokeswoman saying “there are no current plans to extend the light rail to Broadway and Parramatta Rd”.

Transport Minister Jo Haylen has previously said the government’s focus was on extending the Parramatta Light Rail to Sydney Olympic Park – a project estimated to cost $3.9 billion.

A concept photo of the Parramatta Rd light rail line.

The Parramatta Rd tram proposal comes as the City of Sydney is set to adopt Draft Access Strategy and Action Plan which names a light rail line on the road as a key priority for the city’s future transport system.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore has approached Premier Chris Minns and other government officials to encourage the NSW Government to extend the light rail.

“Broadway has more traffic lanes than are required for existing or projected vehicle movements and our proposal would redress the imbalance,” a council spokesman added.

Altrac said its commitment to finance the project would include covering construction costs, which would then be repaid by the NSW Government once the line is operational.

An Altrac spokeswoman said it would enable the government to “spread the costs” of the project and avoid having to pay upfront costs.