Image: Facebook, Inquirer.net
by GRACE JOHNSON
Public transport services will be boosted for New Year’s Eve celebrations in Sydney, Transport for NSW has confirmed.
With vantage points around Sydney Harbour now free, meaning people can come on a first come, first served basis, spectators are encouraged to leave the car at home.
Transport for NSW Coordinator General Howard Collins said customers should consider all available journey options, especially those travelling from areas impacted by essential road and rail works.
“We’re expecting to move hundreds of thousands of people into and around the city for the fireworks, so we want customers to plan their journeys and aim to arrive at their destinations early,” said Mr Collins.
“With thousands of extra train and bus services running from about 2pm on New Year’s Eve, public transport is your key to unlocking a stress-free way to travel.”
Major roads will close from as early as 6am on New Year’s Eve and parking restrictions will be widespread.
“If you must drive or are catching rideshare and taxis, be aware of road closure locations and timings, plan ahead and expect heavy traffic,” said Mr Collins.
“Ensure you have a safe journey because the city is different on New Year’s Eve, with huge crowds, road closures and entry cut-off times at some vantage points.”
Heightened police presence on NYE
NSW Police and New Year’s Eve Police Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Anthony Cooke are urging everyone to stay safe this New Year’s Eve.
“Police will have a high presence across the transport network and in transport hubs such as train stations. Those who want to ruin the night for others won’t be tolerated,” said Mr Cooke.
“These officers will be targeting those engaging in anti-social and dangerous behaviour. During the operation police will also be uniformed and plain clothed meaning the person next to you on the train may be a police officer.”
Major road closures
Major road closures to be aware of on New Year’s Eve include:
- The Cahill Expressway will be closed in both directions from 6am.
- Road closures in Circular Quay and The Rocks will start from 2pm.
- From 5pm major roads in North Sydney, Milsons Point and Kirribilli will be closed.
- By 7pm most roads in the Sydney CBD centre and some roads in Pyrmont will be closed.
- The citybound lanes of the Anzac Bridge and the Iron Cove Link tunnel citybound will close from 8.30pm to 9.30pm and again from 11pm to 1.30am. The M4 and M8 tunnel citybound exits to Anzac Bridge will close from 8.30pm to 1.30am.
- From 10pm major roads around Wynyard Station will close.
- The Sydney Harbour Bridge will be completely closed from 11pm until 1:30am, along with all major roads in the city, there will be no vehicle access after 11pm.
Road closures on New Year’s Eve will impact buses and light rail services, while harbour fireworks exclusion zones will affect ferries.
In the south west, buses will replace trains along the T3 Sydenham to Bankstown Line from 23 December until 25 January while significant metro upgrade works take place during the quieter holiday period.
Ferries will stop running on the night from 5am.
