<div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>A long-overdue time-saver is coming for commuters in Sydney's Inner West as the state government prepares to reopen a second ferry wharf in Balmain.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>After 12 years of sitting pretty, the Balmain West Wharf on Elliott Street will reopen on August 18.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Connected to the F3 Parramatta River route, there will be four services each hour during peak hours – at 5.50am, 6.50am, 7.50am and 8.50am – and another four in the afternoon – 3.12pm, 4.12pm, 5.12pm and 6.12pm – stopping at Barangaroo, Drummoyne, and Huntleys Point.</span></div></div><div><div id="adspot-mobile-medium"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/tamika-chesser-south-australia-police-launch-new-searches-for-missing-remains/c98ab257-44be-4de7-b976-2cdffd1cb89f"><strong><span>Search for man's remains continues after former reality contestant charged</span></strong></a><strong><span></span></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span> "Since the wharf was closed in 2013, there's been a lot more housing built here, so there's a passenger that's ready to go," Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>The resumption of ferry services is expected to ease pressure on local roads.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We need multiple ways to get people in and out of the city that's better for people on the buses, roads and trains," Transport Minister John Graham said.</span></div></div><div><div class="OUTBRAIN" data-reactroot="" data-src="//www.9news.com.au/national/balmain-west-wharf-reopening-date-sydney-inner-west/dc23de68-0a3a-4cec-99ff-7cb731bdfd25" data-widget-id="AR_5"></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>It's also hoped the reopening will reduce congestion at the Balmain East Wharf, particularly during major events such as New Year's Eve, where overcrowding has posed safety risks.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><strong><span>READ MORE:</span></strong><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/finance/reserve-bank-reasons-hold-interest-rates-july-meeting-minutes/46c99c85-a17f-4598-a022-f1a637838457" rel="" target="" title=""><strong><span>RBA's surprise admission after shock interest rate call</span></strong></a><strong></strong></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Balmain West will undergo minor upgrades before its reopening next month. </span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>"We're putting in Opal readers, CCTV, new signage, cleaning up the place, the local council has put up a cafe which we hope will open soon," Collins said.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><span>Transport for NSW is also assessing the feasibility of a new weekend ferry route connecting inner harbour suburbs to the city, as well as a service between Barangaroo and the new Sydney Fish Market.</span></div></div><div class="block-content"><div class="styles__Container-sc-1ylecsg-0 goULFa"><em><span>This article was produced with the assistance of</span></em><span> </span><a href="https://www.9news.com.au/technology/9express/16480c33-636a-461f-9c4f-d0e2522c722a"><em><span>9ExPress</span></em></a><em><span>.</span></em></div></div>