Major Metro Closures and Easter Show Crowds: Sydney Sunday Traffic Update

Easter Sunday Travel Outlook

Sydney commuters and holiday travelers should prepare for significant disruptions this Easter Sunday, 5 April 2026. While the city typically experiences lighter traffic on Easter Sunday due to restricted retail trading and the closure of major shopping centers, several large-scale infrastructure projects and major events will create localized congestion and public transport challenges. Transport for NSW is operating on a Sunday/Public Holiday timetable across the network, meaning services will be less frequent than usual.

Complete M1 Metro Shutdown

The most substantial disruption for public transport users today is the full closure of the M1 Metro line. As part of critical testing for the Southwest extension, no metro services are running between Tallawong and Sydenham. This closure is scheduled to last through the long weekend. Replacement buses are operating between Tallawong and Chatswood; however, passengers traveling toward the City or Sydenham must switch to the existing T1 Western or T9 Northern line train services at Epping or Chatswood. Travelers should allow at least 45 minutes of additional travel time for these transfers.

Sydney Royal Easter Show and Olympic Park

The Sydney Royal Easter Show enters its peak weekend at Sydney Olympic Park, driving heavy traffic volumes in the central west. Localized road closures are in effect on Australia Avenue and Showground Road to manage pedestrian safety. Motorists are advised to avoid Homebush Bay Drive and Parramatta Road if they are not attending the event. For those with Show tickets, public transport is included in the entry price. Express trains are running frequently from Central and Penrith directly to Olympic Park Station to mitigate the expected parking shortages at the precinct.

Regional and Highway Alerts

• Great Western Highway (Victoria Pass): A major long-term closure remains in place at Victoria Pass (Mitchell’s Causeway) due to structural instability in the historic bridge. Motorists traveling between Sydney and the Central West must detour via Bells Line of Road or through the Lithgow CBD. Expect heavy holiday queuing through Mount Victoria and Blackheath.
• Warringah Freeway Upgrade: While no full daytime closures are scheduled today, reduced speed limits and lane narrowing are in place between Cammeray and North Sydney. Temporary ramp closures may occur late this evening for ongoing upgrade works.
• Princes Highway: Heavy holiday traffic is expected for those returning from the South Coast. Travelers should monitor Live Traffic NSW for pinch points around Berry and Albion Park.

Commuter Advice for Sunday

• Check the Trip Planner or Opal Travel app before departing, as the Sunday timetable and Metro replacement buses will significantly alter standard journey times.
• Be aware that major supermarkets and department stores are closed today, which may reduce traffic near suburban hubs but increase it near parks and coastal recreation areas.
• If heading to the coast, expect high demand on F1 Manly and F9 Watsons Bay ferry services, with potential queues at Circular Quay.