Summary: Closure of the Bankstown Line for Sydney Metro Conversion

Background

The Bankstown Line, a 120-year-old train line, is being converted to Sydney Metro services.
The conversion is part of an extension of the existing Sydney Metro City Line towards Sydenham and then Bankstown.
This has been met with various complaints and criticisms over the years.

Conversion Timeline: The Bankstown Line will be shut between Sydenham and Bankstown in a few months, and the conversion will take about a year.
Preliminary Work: Much of the initial conversion work has already been done through periodic shutdowns over the past few years.

New Fence: A new fence separates the rail line from the freight line for enhanced security.
Cycle Way: A new cycle way connecting Marrickville and Bankstown is being constructed for cyclists and pedestrians.
Gap Fillers: New gap fillers are being installed at all stations to ensure level access boarding due to curved platforms. These extend when doors open.

Dulwich Hill: Features a new footbridge connecting the Sydney Light Rail L1 line to the train station.
- Notable absence of special fences installed in other parts of the line.
Hurlstone Park: Includes new gap fillers, stairs, and lifts, making it fully accessible. Retains original City Rail seats.
- Installation of new see-through fences, which may impact freight spotting.
Canterbury: Similar upgrades to other stations, with new lifts and tactile indicators for platform screen doors.

Metro Platforms: New Metro platforms are being built on the opposite side of the existing station.
Shortened Platforms: The existing train station platforms will be shortened to allow for a new pedestrian plaza between the Metro and City train platforms.
Interchange Considerations: It's unclear if passengers will need to tap off/on when switching between lines.

T6 Bankstown Shuttle: A new 4-carriage train service running every 10-15 minutes will operate once the line is closed between Bankstown and Sydenham.
Southwest Link Bus Routes: Three new bus routes (SW1, SW2, SW3) will act as bus replacements, similar to the setup for the Epping to Chatswood Rail Link.

Sydney Metro Testing: Final trial running has begun, with official Metro services starting on Sunday, 4th August.
Secret Video Tour: An upcoming video tour of an under-construction metro station will be released soon.

Contributors include Phil from City Trains Vlogs, Transport for New South Wales, and Sydney Times for footage and resources.

The Bankstown Line closure and conversion to Metro services mark a significant infrastructure development in Sydney. Feedback and further interest in pre-closure videos are invited.
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