Rail Clearways projects

Macdonaldtown turnback

Completed 2005
This facility removes surplus empty trains from Macarthur/Campbelltown after these trains have delivered passengers to the CBD. This improves reliability by reducing empty train running to outer suburban locations and allows trains to be deployed to the busy CBD where demand for services is the highest.

Extra platform at Berowra

Completed 2006
Completed in 2006, this project will increase the reliability of North Shore Line trains which start from Richmond/Penrith by providing a dedicated turnaround platform separate to the platforms used by stopping trains to and from the Newcastle & Central Coast Line.

Bondi Junction turnback

Completed 2006
This project involved construction of a new rail crossover to increase the terminating capacity at Bondi Junction, allowing more frequent services to operate on this line. The introduction of the new timetable on 28 May 2006 provided an extra Illawarra peak service, plus three additional peak services from Bondi Junction.

Macdonaldtown stabling

Completed 2007
The train-stabling yard constructed holds eight trains in close proximity to the Sydney CBD. This stabling facility provides increased stabling capacity to support the planned increase in suburban services to reduce crowding. The facility also allows trains to be best positioned so they can be efficiently brought into operation for the morning and afternoon peak periods when demand for trains is at the highest. This facility also minimises empty train running and improves reliability for Campbelltown and East Hills line services.

Revesby turnback and platforms

Completed 2008
This facility provides an improved starting point for local services on the East Hills Line. It removes the need to cross in front of frequent Campbelltown limited stops services, as is currently the case on this route. This will improve reliability for East Hills Line services as well as services to Campbelltown.

Hornsby Platform 5 and stabling

Completed 2009
This additional platform and track will increase train-terminating capacity at Hornsby to support Epping to Chatswood rail link (ECRL) services, which will start from Hornsby when the new rail line is integrated into the CityRail network. Additional stabling is also provided to support additional services for the ECRL.

Cronulla branch line duplication

Completed 2010
Duplication of the Cronulla branch line allows for an increase in peak services from the current 4 trains per hour to 6 trains per hour. This will reduce crowding on Cronulla services and at Illawarra line stations such as Hurstville, Sydenham and Town Hall. Reliability will be strengthened as the single line sections are eliminated on the branch line.

Homebush turnback and platform

Under construction
This project allows local Inner West Line services to and from the City via Ashfield to start at Homebush in readiness to commence after the South Line services have passed through, thereby improving reliability. The project provides a dedicated turnback, allowing Inner West services to terminate at Homebush without affecting South Line services.

Lidcombe turnback and platform

Under construction
This will reduce congestion between Lidcombe and Strathfield by starting Bankstown Line trains from their own separate turnback and platform at Lidcombe. This will permit a reliable and more frequent service on the Bankstown Line, with connections for Bankstown Line passengers travelling to destinations on the Western Line or to the City via Strathfield at Lidcombe.

Macarthur Station upgrade and interchange

Under construction
This project involves the construction of a new (fourth) platform at Macarthur Station, an easy access upgrade including new lifts, a bus/rail interchange adjacent to the station and a new commuter car park. This project will be delivered in two stages. Stage 1 includes modifications to the station concourse and platform work, the bus/rail interchange, kiss and ride facilities, the construction of lifts and stairs to the pedestrian overpass and construction of the new commuter car park adjacent to the station. Stage 1 is expected to be completed by late 2010. Stage 2 includes the construction of additional track on the southern side of the existing tracks and a new platform.

This will improve the capability of Macarthur to act as the primary terminus for all Campbelltown area trains, thereby improving frequency to this regional centre. It will also improve passenger access and amenity of Macarthur Station.

Extra tracks, Kingsgrove - Revesby

Under construction
Currently, trains from Campbelltown to the City via the East Hills Line experience congestion through sharing the existing double track with local services. Continuation of the existing four-track section from Kingsgrove to Revesby provides greater separation between limited stops and local services to strengthen reliability and improve journey times on some limited stops services from South Western Sydney. The service patterns on the Airport & East Hills Line can be simplified and more structured to provide passengers with a more predictable timetable.

Quakers Hill to Vineyard duplication (initially to Schofields)

Under construction
The existing single-track route on the Richmond branch line is congested and patronage is growing rapidly. The double track route will enable additional services to reduce crowding as well as strengthen reliability through the continuation of double tracks to Vineyard. This project includes a new Vineyard Station, an upgrade of Riverstone Station and a new Schofields Station. This project will provide capacity for additional peak services on the Richmond branch line to cater for future passenger demand. The project will be delivered in two stages. Stage 1 includes a new Schofields Station and a new track between Quakers Hill and Schofields. Stage 2 includes the upgrade of Riverstone Station, a new Vineyard Station and additional track between Schofields and Vineyard.

Liverpool turnback and platform

Under design and development
Liverpool is an important train terminus for various groups of lines. The existing three platforms at Liverpool can get congested with trains, particularly in peak periods. An additional platform will increase capacity to manage the various train services and support reliable starting and terminating of services on the Bankstown Line and South Line.