Sydney Harbour Bridge closure adds to traffic woes amid trackwork chaos

Sydneysiders have been warned to brace for more pain as the closure of Sydney Harbour Bridge adds to travel woes at the start of school holidays.

Drivers have been warned to expect further delays after the Sydney Harbour Bridge was closed on Sunday morning for an event marking the upcoming FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Traffic was being diverted away from the Sydney Harbour Bridge and Cahill expressway until 10.30am as the bridge transformed into the festival site celebrating 25 days until the kick off of the world cup event.

Thousands joined the Sydney Harbour Bridge Unity Celebration, walking, jogging or dancing across the bridge, which kicked off at 6am.

Both major arterial roads have now reopened, however heavy congestion remains and motorists are advised to allow extra travel time until traffic eases.

This morning the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge was transformed into a festival of football as we celebrated 25 Days To Go until the FIFA Women’s World Cup™.

Read more: https://t.co/BqnlEPLnjupic.twitter.com/bCVbhP6amf

— Football Australia (@FootballAUS) June 25, 2023

Traffic is building around Sydney this morning with the Sydney Harbour Bridge being closed until 10:30 for a FIFA Women’s World Cup event. Picture: NCA NewsWire / David Swift

FIFA Council Member Johanna Wood said said the organisation was committed to delivering an exceptional tournament across Australia and New Zealand.

Drivers had been warned to delay their trip as traffic is diverted via the Sydney Harbour Tunnel.

The road closure adds pressure to movement around the city, as trackwork causes chaos across a number of train lines this weekend.

No trains will be running through the stations at Sydney’s domestic and international terminals as the T8 Airport line is set to be the most affected by the “essential” trackwork.

Trackwork runs right throughout the weekend, until early Monday morning just as Sydney Airport becomes busier with school holiday travel.

Trackwork is causing travel chaos on one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

Sydneysiders are urged to check timetables as a number of train lines are affected by trackwork. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

Buses will replace trains running between Glenfield and Sydenham as well as between Sydenham and Central.

Trains are also not running to Museum, St James or Circular Quay stations across the weekend, adding to the confusion.

The T2, T4 and T5 lines will also be affected.

On the T2, buses will replace trains between Leppington and Glenfield and on the all-stations Inner West rain between Ashfield and Central.

Timetables will also change between Macarthur, Glenfield and Central with train to make an extra stop at Homebush but to pass through Ashfield.

T1 Western Line Penrith trains make extra stops at Burwood and Ashfield. T9 Northern Line trains make extra stops at Croydon and Ashfield.

Trackwork is set to continue throughout the weekend. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

Those travelling to the airport may want to take a taxi for peace of mind. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Seb Haggett

Trains will still run along the T4 but Cronulla and Waterfall services will make extra stops at St Peters and Erskineville.

Extra trains will also run between Hurstville and Bondi Junction.

From 2am on Saturday, buses will replace trains between Leppington and Richmond on the T5.

The trackwork will take place until 2am Monday.