Major Event Delays Expected Across Sydney as Ed Sheeran and Sporting Stars Hit the City

Friday Commute Overview

Sydney commuters are advised to prepare for a challenging afternoon and evening peak today, Friday, 13 February 2026. The city is bracing for a massive influx of travellers as major entertainment and sporting events coincide across three of Sydney's largest precincts. Transport for NSW is urging residents to leave the car at home and utilize the additional public transport services scheduled for today.

Major Event Impacts: Olympic Park and Moore Park

The biggest impact on the network today will be centered around Sydney Olympic Park, where global superstar Ed Sheeran returns to Accor Stadium. With approximately 70,000 fans expected, heavy traffic is anticipated on the M4 Motorway, Homebush Bay Drive, and Concord Road from as early as 3:00 PM. Fortunately, travel on all public transport modes is included in concert tickets. Express trains will run frequently from Central and key western stations, while major event buses will operate across nine different routes starting from mid-afternoon.

In the inner east, the Super Rugby clash between the NSW Waratahs and Queensland Reds at Allianz Stadium will draw crowds to Moore Park. Expect congestion on Anzac Parade and the Eastern Distributor. Fans attending the match can also travel for free on public transport by showing their match ticket. Similarly, Parramatta will see increased activity near CommBank Stadium for the Western Sydney Wanderers double-header, affecting local roads and the Western Line.

Key Roadworks and Freeway Upgrades

Motorists should remain alert to ongoing construction as part of the Warringah Freeway Upgrade. Changed traffic conditions continue between the Pacific Highway and Mount Street, with multiple temporary lane and ramp closures in effect. Specifically, closures near the Ernest Street ramps in North Sydney may cause queuing during the morning and evening peaks. Commuters are advised to allow at least an extra 15 to 20 minutes for travel through this corridor.

Night-time Road Closures

For those travelling late tonight, significant maintenance work will impact major thoroughfares:

• Sydney Harbour Bridge: Up to five lanes will be closed from 9:30 PM tonight until 5:00 AM tomorrow morning. While the tunnel remains an alternative, motorists should expect localized delays.
• Eastern Distributor: The northbound lanes will be closed between the Cahill Expressway and Link Road from 10:30 PM, followed by southbound closures from 11:00 PM.

Public Transport Alerts

While most Sydney Metro and Train lines are operating a full Friday schedule to accommodate event crowds, regional travellers should note that coaches will replace the 7:50 PM Melbourne to Sydney service between Albury and Sydney tonight. Commuters on the South Coast line are also reminded that while trains are running regularly to Wollongong for the NBL match, late-night maintenance may affect return journeys.