The ACT Government has released the revised, final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for Light Rail Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden.
The EIS was submitted to the Australian and ACT governments for consideration in June 2026, with a decision expected by the end of the year.
Community and stakeholder input has been vital in shaping the project, including feedback received during the public exhibition of the draft EIS last year.
The EIS has now been revised to reflect this feedback, as well as the confirmed State Circle East alignment, further design developments and updated environmental assessments.
These changes improve safety, traffic arrangements, and environmental and urban design outcomes.
The final EIS includes a submissions report outlining how feedback received during public exhibition has been considered and addressed.
A total of 230 submissions were received from the community and stakeholders, representing a broad range of views. Feedback covered technical issues and provided local insights about heritage, landscape, traffic and construction impacts. Submissions also commented on impacts on businesses and residents, access to light rail services, and broader questions about the project's design, benefits, and role in the transport network.
Key revisions incorporated into the final EIS include:
- The traction power substation proposed for the inner south has been moved from Yarralumla to Denison Street in Deakin.
- Light rail infrastructure, including the Melbourne Avenue stop, is now proposed on the inner verge instead of the median of State Circle between Sydney Avenue and Adelaide Avenue. This change will retain existing on-street parking arrangements and reduce disruption to nearby residents, businesses and the road network.
- The Melrose Drive Bridge will no longer be widened over Yarralumla Creek. This change will avoid the need to completely close sections of Melrose Drive and Yarra Glen during construction while achieving similar traffic outcomes when the project is operational.
- Locations have been identified for kiss-and-ride spaces at Hopetoun Circuit, Kent Street and Carruthers Street stops.
The final EIS, including the submissions report, is now available on the project's digital EIS platform. Print copies are on display at Civic and Woden libraries until 10 December.
The Australian and ACT governments are considering the EIS and will provide a decision on whether the project can proceed, and if so, under what conditions.
EIS conditions will inform the project's next steps, including planning approvals, design and delivery.
