Sydney Traffic Alert: Major Metro Closures and Heavy Holiday Congestion for Good Friday

Significant Rail Disruptions and Metro Shutdown

Commuters and holiday travelers are advised to prepare for major disruptions on the public transport network this Friday, 3 April 2026, marking both Good Friday and the start of the autumn school holidays. A complete shutdown of the Sydney Metro M1 line is in effect between Tallawong and Sydenham. Replacement buses are operating between Tallawong and Chatswood only; travelers heading further south must switch to train services at Epping or Chatswood to reach the City and Sydenham.

Heavy trackwork is also impacting the T4 Eastern Suburbs & Illawarra Line. Buses have replaced trains between Central and Bondi Junction, as well as between Waterfall and Sutherland. On the T8 Airport & South Line, services between Sydenham and the City Circle are running to a modified timetable. Passengers are urged to allow at least 45 to 60 minutes of additional travel time and check the Trip Planner before departing.

Major Road Closures and Freeway Delays

On the roads, motorists will face significant hurdles on major arteries. The Warringah Freeway is subject to temporary lane and ramp closures in both directions as part of ongoing upgrade works. These closures, which began late Thursday, are expected to cause persistent queuing throughout the day. In Western Sydney, Mamre Road continues to undergo significant upgrades between the M4 Motorway and Erskine Park Road, with traffic shifted to the western side of the corridor.

For those heading west toward the Blue Mountains, the Great Western Highway remains closed at Victoria Pass due to critical structural defects. Motorists must divert via Bells Line of Road, which is expected to experience heavy volume as a result. Within the Sydney Olympic Park precinct, several local roads are closed to accommodate the Sydney Royal Easter Show, which is currently in peak operation.

Holiday Pinch Points and Event Traffic

As the Easter long weekend commences, heavy holiday traffic is building on routes leading out of the city. Transport for NSW has identified major pinch points at Hexham on the Pacific Highway and Milton on the Princes Highway, with delays of up to 45 minutes predicted for northbound and southbound travelers respectively. The Hume Highway at Pheasants Nest is also expected to be heavily congested.

Major crowds are expected at Sydney Olympic Park for the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the NRL Good Friday clash between the Bulldogs and Rabbitohs at Accor Stadium. With parking at the Olympic Park precinct officially sold out for today, attendees are strongly encouraged to utilize the integrated public transport included with their event tickets, despite the ongoing rail maintenance. Drivers should remain patient and expect slow-moving traffic on the M4 and Centenary Drive throughout the afternoon.