The National Capital Authority (NCA) is undertaking major renewal works of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The project involves bridge strengthening and widening of the shared paths to cater to Canberra's growing population and increasing traffic.
These are the most significant upgrades to the bridge since it opened to traffic in 1963. It includes:
- strengthening the structure of the bridge
- addressing safety issues through the replacement of safety barriers and handrails and installing new lighting on the bridge
- widening the shared path on the bridge and improving paths to/from the bridge
- improving green spaces at either end of the bridge to create safe and inviting spaces for people to enjoy, including landscaping and new plantings.
Seymour Whyte Constructions was awarded the head contract in March 2025 and since then has been working to complete detailed design, including survey and geotechnical investigations and progress necessary approvals.
Construction is anticipated to begin in late 2025 with an approximate two-year program of works. During this time there will be significant changes and traffic impacts for all road and shared path users.
Whilst traffic arrangements for the construction period are still being finalised, there will be a full closure of one span of the bridge at a time to enable the upgrade. This includes the traffic lanes and the shared paths. One side of the bridge will remain open to accommodate both directions of traffic, pedestrians and cyclists. The first works on site will involve construction of temporary crossovers in the median to the north and south of the bridge to facilitate the closure of each bridge span during construction. This will include removal of the two sets of flag poles along Commonwealth Avenue.
