As Sydney’s second CBD, Parramatta supports a growing population of 4.5 million people. Local transport in the area is a major issue with significant congestion from private car use as well as an inefficient existing public transport system. This 20 km light rail project will support the ongoing development of Sydney Olympic Park as a world-class, vibrant, mixed-use precinct. The light rail is being integrated with other established public transport modes such as heavy rail, bus and ferry, and is creating new interchange opportunities.
The project is progressing in two stages. Stage 1 will connect Westmead to Carlingford via the Parramatta CBD and Camellia with a two-way track spanning 12 kms. It will be powered through a combination of overhead wires and a four-kilometre wire-free section, between the Westmead Station and Cumberland Hospital light rail stops, and between the Prince Alfred Square and Tramway Avenue stops. Vehicles will be equipped with roof-mounted batteries that are charged via the overhead wires and ground level conductor rails at the Westmead Station stop. The route will link Parramatta’s CBD and train station to the Westmead Precinct, Parramatta North Growth Centre, the new Bankwest Stadium, the Camellia Town Centre, the new Powerhouse Museum and Riverside Theatre, the private and social housing redevelopment at Telopea, Rosehill Gardens Racecourse and three Western Sydney University campuses. Stage 2 will connect Parramatta CBD to Ermington, Melrose Park, Wentworth Point and Sydney Olympic Park along a nine-kilometre route.
Mapping opportunities for growth
WSP was first engaged to undertake a feasibility study, and later provided further planning to assess the suitability of various public transport modes and corridors before a light rail network was proposed. A full business case was then funded by the NSW Government as a result. During early planning, WSP identified the growth potential of corridors and centres for jobs and housing as well as opportunities for improved access to land uses such as health, education, recreation, and social housing.
We applied an engineering overlay to the project to determine its feasibility at an early stage, including consulting light rail delivery experts at the beginning of the planning process, maintaining a focus on end-state operations. After this, we prepared a Consolidated Technical Report that coordinated and documented all technical work streams as the project transitioned into the definition and route options evaluation phase. In our final phase of services, we assessed at a high-level the traffic impact for the scheme along each of the identified route options.
Our transport planning team used early documentation and GIS to map out the opportunities and constraints and to examine the reuse of existing transport infrastructure assets in assessing options at each stage of project planning. This approach helped us to populate a risk register, which was then used to prioritise the project challenges and tactically integrate other professional services including engineering and environmental services, providing more time to explore and maximise opportunities for the project.
Managing complex geotechnical conditions
Our geotechnical ground design included interpretation and design of soft soil treatments, improvement of pavement subgrade, and design inputs to support construction. To minimise off-site disposal of spoil, we applied a range of shallow (rather than deep) ground improvement methodologies in areas of soft and mixed ground conditions, including high-energy impact compaction and shallow soil mixing. These solutions reduced the volume of waste and construction materials, while still achieving the project’s geotechnical requirements.
We also designed foundation improvements using lime stabilisation for areas where we encountered weak, moisture-sensitive materials. These improvements supported the pavement design for the road, track slab and ballast track. With lime stabilisation, the foundation in-situ materials were able to achieve Transport for NSW’s requirements for subgrade, significantly reducing the need for removal and disposal of unsuitable materials. By integrating our geotechnical design packages with the engineering management plans for the project, our team built positive and productive relationships with the designers, Supply, Operate and Maintain (SOM) Contractor, City of Parramatta Council, the Independent Certifier and representatives of Transport for NSW throughout the project design phases.
Excellent sustainability and community outcomes achieved on Stage 1
With our joint venture (JV) partner Aurecon, WSP is responsible for the delivery of all design services for the Stage 1 Infrastructure Delivery Package, to our Construction JV consisting of CPB Contractors and Downer. This includes design and construction of works up to rail level comprising, design integration, civil structures and roads, services relocations, rail alignment and trackform, precinct works and placemaking, infrastructure design and active transport. Our work included designing and constructing up to rail level, comprising of:
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16 stops in a combination of side and island platforms along the route
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interchanges with existing rail, bus and ferry facilities
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12 bridge structures
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active transport corridors – walking and cycling paths – and urban design features
In recognition of the extraordinary project outcomes achieved, this is Australia’s first light rail project to receive an Infrastructure Sustainability Council (ISC) ‘Leading’ rating for both Design and As Built. The ISC v1.2 As-Built rating was the highest ever achieved for an infrastructure project, receiving a certified score of 104 points (max 110 points). Robust management of sustainable processes and consideration of pollution, emissions, and resource consumption throughout the project lifecycle enabled us to:
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reduce energy impact by 33.8%
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reduce water use by 22%
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reduced material use by 28%
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reduced carbon dioxide output by more than 76,000 tonnes
In 2025, Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 was recognised as a Finalist in Infrastructure Partnerships Australia’s National Infrastructure Awards.
Integrating meaningful stakeholder engagement and best practice urban design principles, we focused on creating social value for the community. Through a Workforce Development and Social Procurement Strategy, the project helped increase diversity, upskill people, engage with social enterprises and Indigenous businesses, and provide opportunities for local communities.
As a subcontractor to Laing O’Rourke, WSP is also responsible for the design of the entire depot facility, traction power substation sites and the architecture, structural and system design for the 16 stops as part of the Supply, Operate and Maintain package (SOM). The package includes line-wide rail and operational systems, Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs), stop design and fit-out, a Stabling and Maintenance (Depot) Facility, systems integration, testing, commissioning and the operation and maintenance (O&M) for the Stage 1 System. WSP is also engaged to support the concept design for Stage 2 of the project.
Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 is expected to open in 2024. The project will serve a growing Greater Parramatta region and support Parramatta’s development as Sydney’s second CBD with a “turn up and go” transport option. By 2026, it is estimated that up to 28,000 people will use Parramatta Light Rail every day and an estimated 130,000 people will be living within walking distance of light rail stops.
