Parramatta is Sydney’s second CBD, with a vision to be an accessible ‘30-minute city’. The 12km first stage of the Parramatta Light Rail recently opened, passing through growing communities and connecting Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD.  We supported TfNSW with our technical advisory and transport expertise to deliver a system that improves connectivity and movement around Western Sydney.

Our engineering, rail systems and urban design experience enabled us to partner with TfNSW on the planning, approval and construction stages of the project. We provided the technical design and engineering capabilities needed to develop a complex light rail system. Our multidisciplinary team coordinated design disciplines and collaborated with stakeholders, including the City of Parramatta and Westmead Health Precinct, to achieve a successful outcome.

This infrastructure connects communities in and around Parramatta and provides economic opportunities and a sense of place. The new line connects the Parramatta CBD to the Westmead Health Precinct, CommBank Stadium, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and three Western Sydney University campuses. 

Placemaking for Parramatta

By 2050, Parramatta will be a city of more than 500,000 people, with more people living west of Parramatta than to its east. As a fast-growing region, placemaking was a key focus for Stage 1 of the Parramatta Light Rail.

We supported TfNSW’s strategy of opening opportunities for development along the route, in particular through Parramatta North and along the former Carlingford rail line. The Camellia-Rosehill area also benefits from the place strategy. The creation of better transport connections supports the renewal plans for its town centre and entertainment precinct.   

Parramatta Light Rail line

The light rail line corridor is an opportunity for development

At the forefront of urban transit

Our team has carved a niche of technical expertise for light rail projects helping clients unlock the transformative potential these systems offer. We worked with TfNSW on developing the design from concept, supporting the preferred routes and alignment.  

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 has 16 stops across a two-way track and offers a high-frequency service that operates seven days a week. 1.3km of this line is ‘green track’ – a sustainable design that replaces traditional track form with grass between and along the tracks.  

Connecting the light rail with active transport links

By extending the transport network, the Parramatta Light Rail offers greater connectivity between communities in Sydney’s west. The route is much more than a light rail corridor moving commuters, it supports the city’s growth by making areas more accessible.  
 
In Stage 1, this included linking up light rail stops plus the creation of a new Active Transport Link between Carlingford and Parramatta, which connects to existing shared walking and bike-riding paths.

Parramatta Light Rail’s ‘green track’ section

Parramatta Light Rail’s ‘green track’ section, Robin Thomas Station

Parramatta Light Rail

This route connects Parramatta's communities, fostering economic growth and a strong sense of place