Sydney City Notices: Official Health, Transport, and Road Roundup for Sunday 22 March

Public Health Advisories: Measles and Japanese Encephalitis

NSW Health has issued an urgent public health alert for the Greater Sydney region following a recent surge in confirmed measles cases. Residents in Western and Northern Sydney are particularly advised to monitor for symptoms after three new locally acquired cases were identified, bringing the state total to 33 since the start of the year. Health officials urge anyone who visited exposure sites, including healthcare facilities and public transport on the T1 Western Line, to watch for fever, sore eyes, and a blotchy rash until Monday, 23 March. Vaccination remains the most effective defense, and the MMR vaccine is available via GPs and local pharmacies.

Additionally, free access to the Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine has been expanded. This advisory applies to individuals planning outdoor recreation in high-risk Local Government Areas (LGAs) as mosquito season continues. Residents are encouraged to use repellent and wear protective clothing when outdoors to mitigate the risk of mosquito-borne viruses.

Transport and Infrastructure: Sydney Metro Trackwork

Major service disruptions will affect the rail network this Sunday, 22 March, as essential testing continues for the Sydney Metro extension. No metro services will operate between Tallawong and Sydenham for the duration of the day. Replacement buses will be active between Tallawong and Chatswood. Commuters traveling between Chatswood, the CBD, and Sydenham are advised to utilize existing Sydney Trains services. These closures are critical for the safe integration of the Southwest Metro ahead of its projected opening in late 2026. Please allow at least 30 minutes of additional travel time for cross-city journeys.

Road Closures and Traffic Management

The City of Sydney has approved several temporary road closures for Sunday to accommodate community events and infrastructure maintenance:

• Day of the Unborn Procession: Between 12:00 pm and 2:00 pm, several city streets will be closed to vehicle traffic. Affected areas include Hunter Street (between Phillip and Macquarie), Phillip Street (between King and Hunter), and segments of Macquarie Street and College Street. Traffic detours will be in place, and bus services will be rerouted around the event footprint.
• Hunter Street Crane Operations: A contingency closure is scheduled for Hunter Street between Phillip and Macquarie Streets from 3:00 am to 9:00 pm. This closure is required for mobile crane works. Motorists should check local signage for real-time access updates.

Utility Updates: Sydney Water Infrastructure

Sydney Water has announced that night investigation work for the Ryde to Pymble drinking water pipeline upgrade will commence on the evening of Monday, 23 March. While no service interruptions are expected this Sunday, residents near Epping Road and Daymon Place may notice site establishment activities. This project is part of a long-term plan to boost water distribution capacity across the North Shore to support population growth.