Following progress on major public realm improvements and track works at Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street in January, further Light Rail Stage 2A works will occur on Commonwealth Avenue including the construction of the bridge deck over Parkes Way.
To ensure this work can be carried out safely, temporary road and lane closures will be in place along sections of Commonwealth Avenue and Parkes Way in February and March.
Scheduling has been organised to minimise the number of closures needed to support multiple construction activities taking place. Closures will occur at night and on weekends where possible to reduce the impact on Canberra's traffic network.
Commonwealth Avenue closures
Intermittent road impacts and full lane closures are planned in February, including:
- A full closure of Commonwealth Avenue in both directions between the Parkes Way on/off ramps and Vernon Circle from 8pm Monday 23 February to 5am Tuesday 24 February. Detours will be in place.
- A full closure of Commonwealth Avenue in both directions between the Parkes Way on/off ramps and Vernon Circle from 8pm Wednesday 25 February to 5am Thursday 26 February. Detours will be in place.
- A full closure of Commonwealth Avenue northbound between the Parkes Way on/off ramps and Vernon Circle from 8pm Friday 27 February to 5am Monday 2 March. Southbound travel is reduced to a single lane. Detours northbound will be in place via the Parkes Way on-ramp and Edinburgh Avenue.
- Sections of Commonwealth Avenue will be reduced to one lane intermittently in both directions between Parkes Way and Albert Street to allow for essential stormwater works for the light rail network. These will be in place from:
- Monday to Thursday nights from 8pm to 5am
- 8pm Friday 20 February to 5am Monday 23 February
- 8pm Friday 27 February to 5am Monday 2 March
A short section of Commonwealth Avenue southbound near Parkes Way also remains reduced to one lane until 31 March 2026 for essential Parkes Way bridge works.
Parkes Way road closures
Works are also underway for the new light rail bridge over Parkes Way. To safely carry out bridge deck pours, the following closures will be in place:
8pm Monday 23 February to 5am Tuesday 24 February:
Commonwealth Avenue will be closed in both directions between the Parkes Way and Vernon Circle, with detours in place for on-road traffic including buses and pedestrians.
Parkes Way westbound will be closed between the Commonwealth Avenue on/off ramps, with detours in place.
London Circuit East will be closed in both directions between Commonwealth Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
8pm Wednesday 25 February to 5am Thursday 26 February:
Commonwealth Avenue will be closed in both directions between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle, with detours in place for on-road traffic including buses and pedestrians.
Parkes Way eastbound to the Commonwealth Avenue on ramp will be closed, with localised detours in place.
London Circuit East will be closed in both directions between Commonwealth Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
Plan ahead
These temporary changes will impact how people travel to and around the city, including during major events. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time, follow all detours and traffic control, and check live travel conditions before travelling.
Road impacts and full lane closures planned for the weekend of Friday 27 February to Monday 2 March will coincide with the Enlighten Festival. These changes may affect attendees usual travel routes to and from the event precincts.
