M1 Line service changes: Southwest Metro testing shutdown

A Southwest Metro testing shutdown will halt M1 Line services this Easter weekend. Sydney Metro is set to begin a major technical testing phase during this time. Meanwhile, work will start at 1:20 am on Friday, 3 April.

It will continue around the clock until 4:00 am on Tuesday, 7 April. Also, more than 80 specialist staff will carry out a rigorous work program. This effort clears the path for the Bankstown extension to open later this year.

Technical goals for the Southwest Metro testing shutdown

For example, engineers expect to run more than 1,000 kilometers of testing during the closure. They will also complete 120 individual checks on the system. For the first time, the active testing fleet will double from two trains to four. Additionally, teams will install new software to optimize travel speeds between stations on the new line.

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Scheduling this work for Easter takes advantage of a historically quieter travel period. Last year, the long weekend recorded roughly 389,000 trips across the metro network. This total is about 20 per cent lower than a typical weekend.

Replacement buses and travel for the Royal Easter Show

Around 390 bus services will operate between the North West and the Hills District. Separately, these buses will support those heading to the Royal Easter Show. They will run every 10 to 20 minutes to provide a direct connection to Sydney Olympic Park. For travel to and from the CBD, replacement buses will run between Tallawong and Chatswood. Passengers can then connect with Sydney Trains services to complete their journey.

Upcoming closures and Bankstown extension timeline

Additional work is already on the calendar for the coming weeks. Overnight closures are planned between Central and Sydenham for 7–8 April. Still, a full weekend shutdown will follow from Chatswood to Sydenham on 18–19 April. Passengers are encouraged to plan ahead via transportnsw.info.

The Bankstown extension is scheduled to open in the second half of the year. At that point, the M1 line will grow to 66 kilometers in length. The completed line will serve 31 stations. It will connect Sydney’s northwest to Bankstown through the heart of the CBD.

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