Closure of the Bankstown Line for Sydney Metro Conversion

Jul 15, 2024

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.

Project Details

  • 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.

Recent Updates and Highlights

Sydenham to Canterbury

  • 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.

Major Station Upgrades

  • 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.

Bankstown Station

  • 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.

New Services and Routes

  • 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.

Upcoming Developments

  • 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.

Acknowledgments

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

Conclusion

  • 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.
  • Thank you for watching and subscribing, with more updates to follow soon.