Parramatta. Rail link deal signed

The Keneally and Gillard governments have today signed the landmark Inter-Governmental Agreement for the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link. Key aspects include: The commonwealth will provide funding of up to 80 per cent of the estimated project cost – up to $2.1 billion commencing in 2014/15; NSW will provide funding of $520 million – funded under the Metropolitan Transport Plan. The $2.6 billion project will involve: The construction of a new 14-kilometre line between Parramatta and Epping, with services due to commence in 2017; and upgrading five stations at Parramatta, Telopea, Dundas, Rydalmere and Carlingford and a new station being built at Rosehill-Camellia. A project team has been established in Transport NSW, to get the Parramatta to Epping Rail Link ready to commence construction by the end of this year.