This was published 6 years ago
Date set for closure of Epping to Chatswood rail line
By Lucy Cormack
More than 20,000 train commuters between Epping and Chatswood have been handed the date they were dreading.
September 30 has officially been earmarked as the first day peak hour trains will cease to operate between the two stations for seven months.
The shutdown will affect an estimated 14,000 people each day.Credit: Jon Reid
Buses will replace trains during the shutdown period, the final stage of construction before the Sydney Metro Northwest rail link gets under way.
More than 110 bus services will run every hour, during peak periods, in lieu of trains.
It is understood the transition will add at least an extra 10 minutes to the journey of commuters.
NSW Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance revealed the date on Saturday, announcing the new metro would provide "almost four times as many services that currently run in the peak direction".
He said the new bus service would cover seven additional routes, while extended turning lanes and 580 metres of bus lanes would also support the change.
The train line upgrade is part of Sydney's $20 billion-plus metro railway from Rouse Hill in the north-west to Chatswood.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Andrew Constance announced buses would replace trains on the line from September 30.Credit: AAP
The upgrade, which will include construction of glass screens on platforms, additional signalling and electrical work, is due to be completed by the middle of 2019.
It will convert the existing 13-kilometre heavy rail line, which opened in 2009, to carry single-deck metro trains.
Credit: SMH Graphics
Mr Constance has previously described the transition to buses as a "challenge" and urged commuters to "plan their trips".
The member for Ryde, Victor Dominello, said a dedicated "Station Link service" would be established for students and staff of Macquarie University.
The service will run direct to the university "from Epping station during semesters, on top of the many other services that will stop at Macquarie University station”.
The three main stations affected by the rail closure are Macquarie Park, Macquarie University and North Ryde.
Large businesses in Sydney's north have previously expressed concern about the train shutdown.
Optus, one of the largest businesses at Macquarie Park, previously named the end of November 2018 as its preferred date for the shutdown because of a drop in traffic to and from Macquarie University at that time.