Significant CBD Road Closures and Festival Delays Expected This Sunday

Major Traffic and Commute Update for Sunday, 8 February 2026

Commuters and motorists across Sydney should prepare for a high-impact day on the roads and public transport network this Sunday, 8 February 2026. A combination of a large-scale police operation, major music festivals, and essential rail maintenance is expected to cause significant diversions and delays, particularly in the CBD and Eastern Suburbs.

Planned Police Operation and CBD Closures

A major planned Police Operation is set to begin today, Sunday, triggering widespread road closures and changed traffic conditions that will remain in place through much of the week. Significant disruptions are expected in the Sydney CBD, Bondi, Queens Park, Darling Harbour, and Watsons Bay. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid non-essential travel through the CBD core if possible, as several streets will be inaccessible to private vehicles. Special event clearways will be in effect across these zones; drivers are urged to check signage carefully to avoid being towed.

Circular Quay Bus Diversions

Effective from 12:00 PM today, buses that normally run to and from Circular Quay will be diverted. These services will now start and end their trips at Martin Place. Impacted routes include the 304, 333, 343, 392N, and 396. Passengers wishing to travel between Martin Place and Circular Quay are advised to use the Light Rail or available train services to complete their journey. This arrangement is expected to continue until Thursday afternoon.

Laneway Festival at Centennial Park

The Laneway Music Festival will take place today at Centennial Park, with gates opening at 11:30 AM. Heavy traffic is anticipated around Moore Park and the Eastern Suburbs. Most vehicle gates at Centennial Park will close early at 6:00 PM, while the Paddington and Jervois gates will remain closed to vehicles all day. Festival-goers are encouraged to use public transport, which is included in the cost of the event ticket. Frequent light rail services will run to Moore Park, but commuters should expect significant crowds and queuing after the event finishes at 10:00 PM.

Public Transport and Rail Maintenance

Sydney Trains and NSW TrainLink are conducting essential maintenance work today, affecting several lines. Key impacts include:

• T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line: Trackwork is scheduled between Central and Bondi Junction, as well as between Sutherland and Cronulla. Buses will replace trains on these sections.
• South Coast Line: Maintenance is ongoing between Central and Port Kembla, with buses replacing trains for most of the day.
• Northern Line: Maintenance between Hawkesbury River and Cowan will affect some service timings and may result in localized traffic changes near rail access points.
• Regional Services: Coaches will replace several regional train services, including the 07:15 Sydney to Casino and the 14:44 Sydney to Brisbane services.

Commuters are advised to allow plenty of extra travel time and use real-time trip planning tools to verify the latest service departures before heading out.