BUSES will replace a plethora of Hunter trains this week, but transport authorities warn the substitute services may also be struck down by the region's latest COVID wave.
Transport NSW has confirmed buses replace all trains between Scone and Maitland until 7.30am Friday, with some trains between Telarah and Maitland also replaced.
Services between Dungog, Maitland and the Newcastle interchange and due to run to a changed timetable and a reduced frequency.
"Replacement buses may be impacted by COVID-related staff shortages," the department said in an alert on Tuesday.
"We are doing all we can to minimise the impact to your journey and provide a safe service, however cancellations or delays may occur."
Buses will replace trains between Scone, Dungog and Newcastle on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 7pm to 3.30am.
The replacement bus routes are:
- 1HU Telarah, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return
- 4HU Dungog then all stations to Maitland and return
- 6HU Singleton, then all stations to Maitland and return
- 7HU Warabrook mini bus shuttle
- 9HU Scone, all stations to Lochinvar and then, Morisset
- 14HU Scone, then all stations to Maitland and return
- 15HU Muswellbrook, then all stations to Maitland and return
- 18HU Scone, then all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, then all stations to Newcastle Interchange and return
- 19HU Dungog, then all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all to Newcastle Interchange and return
- 26HU Singleton, then all stations to Maitland, Victoria Street, all to Beresfield, Warabrook, then all to Newcastle Interchange and return.
M1 Motorway
Separately, traffic has queued more than eight kilometres on the M1 Motorway following a crash on Tuesday.
The Cowan collision, first flagged about 7am, has closed two of three southbound lanes, with a heavy vehicle tow truck called to the scene.
Drivers are urged to expect delays and allow extra travel time.
