The Sydney Morning Herald reported that as contractors needed more time to convert subway tracks into the tracks needed for a single-story train, the shutdown of the subway line between Epping station and Chatswood station was likely to be extended to eight months.
It is reported that the 13-kilometer-long busy subway line was originally scheduled to close on September 30 and will be closed for seven months, which will result in more than 20,000 passengers having to travel on replacement buses or driving, causing congestion during peak travel hours. Especially increased the traffic pressure around Macquarie Park.
However, according to the latest leaked documents obtained by the Sydney Herald Morning Post, the A $8.3 billion subway line from Rouse Hill Station to Chatswood Station will open as early as May 5 next year.
The link from Epping station to Chatswood station is likely to remain closed for up to eight months, the source said.
The New South Wales Department of Transportation said in a statement that the new subway line would take some time to run on trial.
The affected area is Sydney's second-largest business district, with Macquarie University, and is also home to several large businesses, including Optus, Sony, Microsoft and others.
At the end of next month, Sydney will use the latest version of the train timetable, please pay attention to the update. In addition, during the rush hour, more than 110 buses will replace the subway to ensure safe travel.
The new state transportation department said it would ensure that passengers could receive train information in advance to plan their trip.
However, Labour Transport spokesman Jody McKay said she had little confidence in the new bus and subway lines. McKay said it will affect not only Sydney's urban area, but also the thousands of people in the central region who need to go to the city.
The operation of the single-story train on the Northwest Line will be completed by partners from Hong Kong. This will be the first phase of the automated subway line in Sydney's central business district. Government said the cost of the second phase would range from A $11.5 billion to A $12.5 billion.