Safety

Whether you're walking, riding a bike, driving or catching public transport, it's important to stay safe around light rail.

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A graphic showing the new Parramatta Light Rail resting at a station during the day time.

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Light rail vehicles are being tested

Parramatta Light Rail is now being tested in both directions between Carlingford and Westmead via Parramatta CBD.

This is a vital step to ensure the safety and reliability of systems and vehicles before services start by the end of the year.

Road conditions have changed and trams can’t stop quickly or easily. Whether you are walking, riding, driving or catching public transport, it’s important to stay safe around light rail and always stop, listen and look around.

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When will testing take place?

Light rail vehicle testing will occur at various times of the day and night on the:

12-kilometre two-way track between Westmead and Carlingford.
Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Camellia.

Light rail vehicles will need to cross Grand Avenue when arriving at or departing the Stabling and Maintenance Facility in Camellia.

How to stay safe around light rail

Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Always use designated crossings and avoid distractions such as mobile phones.

Do not attempt to board a light rail vehicle that is being tested.

Watch video - How to stay safe around Parramatta Light Rail

Pedestrian safety

If you’re walking near the light rail:

Be alert – trams move quickly and quietly so you may not hear them coming.
Watch out for trams and don’t be distracted by your phone.
Use footpaths and pedestrian crossings.
If you have a pram or use a wheelchair, cross in a straight line so the wheels don’t get stuck.
Don’t try to board trams during testing.

Graphic of a pedestrian observing one of the Parramatta Light Rail vehicle's in motion

Shared path safety

Parramatta Light Rail Stage 1 connects to local existing and planned shared paths and cycleways, including the 5.7-kilometre shared walking and bike riding path from Carlingford to Tramway Avenue in Parramatta.

When using a shared path and/or cycleway near the light rail:

Always look out for other pedestrians and bike riders
Keep left unless overtaking
Stay alert to your surroundings
Travel at a safe speed
Check our shared path page for the latest construction updates
If detours are in place, follow all directional signage.

Find out more about walking and bike riding near the Parramatta Light Rail.

Parramatta Light Rail graphic of mother bike rider with child on back waiting at station crossing

Bike rider safety

If you’re riding a bike or non-motorised scooter near the light rail you must:

Cross light rail tracks in a straight line to prevent your wheels getting stuck in the tracks.
If you can’t cross tracks in a straight line, it’s safer to get off and walk.
Watch out for light rail vehicles, traffic, pedestrians and other bike riders.

Motorist safety

If driving a car or riding a motorcycle near the light rail:

Never queue across light rail tracks.
Follow traffic signals and road markings.
Watch out for trams, pedestrians, bike riders and other road users.
Be aware that road conditions may have changed.
Do not drive, stop or park in the light rail corridor. Tram lanes are for trams only.
Never turn in front of an oncoming light rail vehicle.

A white car is seen in the centre of the image with a heritage building at the top left and new apartment block at the top right of the image.

Heavy vehicle safety

If operating heavy vehicles and/or machinery near the light rail:

Be aware that road conditions may have changed.
Watch out for overhead wires. A general height restriction of 4.6 metres is in place where there are light rail overhead wires in the area.
Never queue across the light rail tracks.
Follow traffic signals, signs and directions.
Never turn in front of an oncoming light rail vehicle.

More information

For more information about testing and commissioning, please download our information fact sheet.