Parramatta Road proposals: How much pain for gain?

Road widening:

• Aims to add a rapid transit lane by demolishing around 200 properties.
• Focuses on Haberfield, a community already affected by WestConnex.
• Raises concerns about effectiveness and potential environmental damage.

Light rail extension:

• Proposes an 11 km network with branches to Summer Hill and Green Square.
• Offers a more sustainable and community-centric approach.
• Inspired by the success of the George Street light rail project.
• Led by ALTRAC, a consortium with experience in Sydney’s light rail development.
• Supported by City of Sydney with a proposed $100 million investment for infrastructure improvements.

Parramatta Road, Sydney’s vital artery connecting the CBD to the Inner West, faces a pivotal decision. Two contrasting proposals vie for the future of this crucial corridor: road widening and light rail extension. Each comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. How would you vote? What do you believe is the most sustainable and community-friendly solution for revitalising Parramatta Road?

Option 1: Widening Parramatta Road for a rapid transit lane

The first proposal, road widening, addresses traffic congestion by adding a dedicated rapid transit lane. While part of the road widening would be to increase community space like footpaths and tree canopy, this seemingly straightforward solution would be at a significant cost. An estimated 200 properties, primarily along the congested stretch from Crystal Street in Petersham to Lang Street in Croydon, would face demolition or significant alteration. The brunt of this impact would fall on Haberfield, a community already deeply wounded by the WestConnex motorway project. Memories of the controversial use of eminent domain, where the government forces property acquisition, remain fresh in residents’ minds. Locals are understandably apprehensive about further displacement.

Beyond the human cost, questions remain about the effectiveness of road widening. The success of WestConnex in alleviating traffic congestion is debatable, casting doubt on whether simply adding another lane will solve Parramatta Road’s woes. Additionally, such widening would likely exacerbate existing environmental concerns, potentially leading to increased noise pollution and a further decline in green spaces.

Option 2: Light rail extension ‒ a new vision or more pain?

The alternative proposal takes a different approach. The Parramatta Road light rail extension envisions a future focused on better and more effective public transport. Spanning 11 kilometres from Central Station to the Inner West and out to the southeast, with branches reaching to Summer Hill and Green Square, this light rail network arguably offers a more sustainable and community-centric solution. It would connect key destinations like Haymarket, Ultimo, Chippendale, Camperdown, Forest Lodge, Petersham and Leichhardt in the Inner West and Green Square to the southeast, reducing reliance on private vehicles and creating a more efficient transportation system.

The success story of the George Street light rail serves as a powerful inspiration. Once a congested thoroughfare, George Street has been transformed into a vibrant boulevard with wider footpaths, increased greenery and a more pedestrian-friendly atmosphere. This revitalisation demonstrates light rail’s potential to not only improve traffic flow but also enhance the overall urban landscape.

Leading the charge for the light rail project is ALTRAC, a consortium with a proven track record in Sydney’s light rail development. Their experience with the successful city and southeast light rail lines instils confidence in their ability to deliver a well-designed and efficient system. Furthermore, the City of Sydney’s proposal for enhancing the project is commendable. Their proposed $100 million investment would go towards widening footpaths, improving the tree canopy, installing smart lighting and upgrading street furniture. This commitment underscores a vision for a more sustainable and aesthetically pleasing Parramatta Road, one that complements the light rail system. Additionally, the council’s proactive acquisition of land along the Green Square corridor demonstrates their dedication to facilitating a smooth project execution.

The decision regarding Parramatta Road’s future holds significant ramifications. While the road-widening proposal offers a seemingly straightforward solution, its human and environmental costs are undeniable. The light rail extension, on the other hand, offers a more sustainable and community-oriented alternative with the bonus of no property acquisition required. By prioritising public transport, fostering walkability and promoting urban renewal, the light rail extension has the potential to transform Parramatta Road into a thriving corridor for the 21st century.

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