Minister for Transport Andrew Constance said the first piece of green track, which involves planting grass or low plants between and beside light rail tracks, has been laid in Rosehill as part of a 12-month prototype testing process. 

“We’re employing the latest research and technology to embrace grass track as an aesthetic and sustainable urban design solution,” he said. “Green track looks great and is good for the environment, so it’s exciting to see how it will take shape in the public domain.” 

Green track will feature in the Cumberland Hospital heritage precinct, Robin Thomas Reserve and Tramway Avenue, creating up to one kilometre of landscaped light rail. 

The 12-metre-long prototype will trial two different grasses to test their growth rate and durability, as well as experiment with soil layers and depths. 

The light rail project is part of Transport for NSW’s plan to help ‘green’ Parramatta, which includes the planting of at least 3500 new trees to create shade in some of the region’s hottest streets. 

The project’s programme director Anand Thomas said the trial will help identify how green track will perform along the alignment. 

“Green track contributes to increased biodiversity, noise reduction and urban cooling, which are great outcomes for the people who live and work in the local area,” he said. “This trial will enable us to see which grass type and irrigation system will be most suitable for our existing local landscapes, parks and streets.” 

Creating access to health and research hub

Major construction on the light rail has also started in the Westmead Health Precinct to provide crucial access to one of Australia’s largest health, education and research hubs.

Mr Constance said the Parramatta Light Rail will provide ‘turn-up-and-go’ services seven days a week, linking Westmead customers to rail, bus, ferries, and the future Sydney Metro West.

“These world-class health services and facilities will be more accessible than ever, taking the Westmead Health Precinct to the next level,” he said. 

“The precinct will cater to more than 40,000 full-time staff and 30,000 students by 2036, and building this type of infrastructure will be key to our economic recovery and will help get people back to work – important parts of the NSW Government’s COVID Recovery Plan.”

The minister described the Westmead redevelopment project as one of the biggest health infrastructure projects in the state. It aims to transform the Westmead Health Precinct and deliver an innovative, integrated facility delivering high-quality healthcare.

The $2.4 billion Parramatta Light Rail is set to open in 2023.