Sydney commuters to expect delays as T3 line shuts from Monday

Sydney commuters have been told to expect delays as work begins on converting a popular train line into the new Metro service.

Sydney commuters are being warned they face a longer trip for at least a year as the busy T3 Bankstown line is shut down from Monday.

The service is closing as work begins on the stations and tracks between Bankstown and Sydenham to convert over to the Metro line, which is scheduled to take at least 12 months to deliver.

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen said commuters on the T3 line should be prepared for the changes, which could mean double the travel time in some cases.

“There’s no sugar-coating it – this closure will be an incredibly tough time for these communities, and we’ve been upfront that it could take longer than a year,” Ms Haylen said on Sunday.

“Please allow plenty of extra travel time, check your trip planner apps, or transportnsw.info.”

Travellers will be able to hop on board free pink Southwest Link buses which will run frequent services.

However, people are urged to plan ahead as travel will take longer, especially in peak hour – doubling journey times in some cases, while using the replacement bus system.

The T3 Bankstown line will close on Monday 30. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

The final T3 Sydney Trains service will leave Circular Quay Station at 12.06am on Monday, bound for Bankstown.

Hundreds of train enthusiasts are expected to say farewell to the Bankstown line, which first opened in stages in 1896.

Ms Haylen said while the T3 line had managed to adapt over the years, it was time to say a final farewell.

“The Bankstown line has been a stalwart of NSW railways – faithfully serving communities for over a century,” Ms Haylen said.

“Today we want to honour the past as we look to our city’s bright public transport future.

“We’ve seen this line move from steam trains to electrification – now it’s time for its latest upgrade to allow for modern Metro trains.”

NSW Transport Minister Jo Haylen says the conversion project will provide better transport options for passengers when it’s completed. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Steam trains were originally the transport of choice before switching over to electrification in the 1920s.

Authorities have warned the conversion of the 130-year-old rail line to Metro could take longer than the planned 12 months.

However, once completed passengers will be able to catch a direct service between Bankstown and Sydenham for the first time when Metro opens.

“T3 deserves a fitting farewell and we know many Sydneysiders will be taking one last heavy rail ride today,” Ms Haylen said.

“The line’s closure marks the end of an era, but the beginning of a new one.

“This T3 transformation will see the line continue to serve our city throughout the century to come.

Alternative travel options will be made available for passengers. Picture: NewsWire / Damian Shaw

Initial work will focus on Bankstown, with the highly complex separation of rail tracks, and installation of platform screen doors, mechanical gap filler and fencing.

A 1.4km walking and cycling path along the Southwest Metro alignment between Marrickville and Sydenham is also expected to open on Monday.

The Metro line will allow passengers a chance to jump on a train every 4 minutes during the peak, along with fully accessible stations and services, when the project is completed in about late 2025.

Originally published as Sydney commuters to expect delays as T3 line shuts from Monday