Travellers are advised to stay across updates from emergency services and check transport apps before setting off in coastal areas lashed by heavy rain and intense winds.
Transport for NSW Coordinator-General Howard Collins said while the weather is easing back in many areas, it remains a dynamic and changing situation for our road and public transport and for the train network people should still avoid non-essential travel.
“We’re grateful people have listened to the advice to avoid non-essential travel today, and we’ve seen a significant drop in the number of vehicles on the road and passengers on the public transport network,” Mr Collins said.
“This has helped us with our work to provide connections and services for frontliners and essential workers who had to be on the network today.
“Trees brought down by the combination of drenching rain and very strong winds have had the greatest impact for roads and train services over the last two days.
“Our teams were prepared, and have responded quickly to deploy replacement bus services and clear road and train lines as needed.
“Some of this work on our train line, including damage to wiring caused by trees coming down on the line near Dora Creek will take longer to repair, and replacement bus services will likely need to continue for this section of the line into tomorrow.
“While rain has eased off for many areas – the return of strong southerly winds along the coast afternoon and this means we could see new impacts emerging.
“Safety is always our top priority, and as rain continues for the Illawarra and South Coast we’re urging drivers to please take extra care, drive to the conditions and never drive through floodwaters.
“This evening, and even tomorrow morning, we’re asking people to and allow extra time to get to your destination, and check for updates before you set off.
“Public transport passengers can jump online and check the latest timetables and disruptions transportnsw.info/alerts, and drivers can check the Live Traffic app or or visit livetraffic.com.”
CURRENT NETWORK IMPACTS
Public Transport:
- On the T1 Western Line buses continue to replace trains between Penrith and St Marys due to overhead wire repairs at Kingswood. Passengers can also consider catching local bus routes 770, 774, 775 and 776 between Penrith and St Marys instead.
- On the Central Coast & Newcastle Line, buses continue to replace trains between Wyong and Fassifern due to overhead wiring repairs at Dora Creek.
- On the South Coast Line, trains are running at a reduced speed due to the wet weather.
- F1 Manly ferries resumed Wednesday morning between Manly and Circular Quay. Buses had been replacing services due to the heavy swell on Tuesday.
- Several bus routes around Sydney and the regions diverting due to flooded local roads.
Roads:
- Road closures are currently in place for Oxford Falls Road at Oxford Falls and Audley Weir at Royal National Park.
- There is water over the road and drivers should travel with care along the Illawarra Highway at Burrawang and Nelson Bay Road at Anna Bay.
For the latest information:
- Road closure information and real-time traffic conditions, check livetraffic.com or visit the Live Traffic app
- Transport disruptions, check travel alerts
- Current warnings visit the NSW SES website www.ses.nsw.gov.au/ or follow on social media @NSWSES
- Transport for NSW encourages anyone travelling to download the Hazards Near Me Latest weather and warnings at Bureau of Meteorology
- App, the BoM Weather App and the Live Traffic NSW App
- Call 132 500 for assistance from SES and in an emergency, always dial Triple Zero (000).