Parramatta Light Rail construction closes traffic on Church St from February 2020
Parramatta’s dining strip will become a pedestrian-only zone from February to prepare for the light rail project.
Parramatta
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While the second stage of light rail is in doubt, the government said it would start construction on the first stage at Parramatta’s Church St, aka Eat St, in June.
However, the area from the Riverside Theatre to Centenary Square will be closed to traffic and only open for pedestrians from February.
Transport Minister Andrew Constance said the government had worked closely with businesses.
“Our local businesses are the heart and soul of Parramatta and we have worked closely with them to understand the potential impacts of light rail construction,” Mr Constance said.
“We’ve guaranteed major construction in Eat St won’t start until 2020, ensuring visitors
can enjoy the precinct during summer without construction hoardings.”
Parramatta state Liberal MP Geoff Lee said Transport for NSW would introduce a construction grace period so businesses could work through the busy summer.
“As promised, from November 1 until January 31 each year, the hoardings will come down, outdoor dining will be temporarily restored and we will work with local businesses to deliver activities and events to attract people to the Parramatta CBD,’’ he said.
Macquarie, George, Phillip and Market streets will remain open to traffic.
In February, a micro-tunnelling machine, about 1.5 metres in diameter, will construct drainage beneath the street from Centenary Square to the Parramatta River.
This method is intended to reduce noise and impact compared to street-level works.
On Monday, the State Government failed to confirm if the second stage of the Parramatta Light Rail would be built.
The first stage of the light rail runs from Westmead to Carlingford via Parramatta CBD and Camellia.
The second stage is proposed to link Parramatta to Sydney Olympic Park.
Western Sydney Business Chamber’s David Borger labelled it silly not to build stage two, which would serve developments such as Carter St at Lidcombe, Wentworth Point, Melrose Park and Olympic Park.
“These are some of the most high-density locations in Australia,’’ he said.
“These areas between Sydney Olympic Park and Parramatta has bore the brunt of high-density housing so they have got to have good quality transport.’’
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