Significant construction works are taking place over January to connect the light rail network to the extension to Commonwealth Park as part of the Light Rail Stage 2A project.
Major public realm improvements to this area will also be delivered as part of these works. This includes new traffic signals, street lighting and retaining walls, paving, asphalting and landscaping to prepare for light rail to run wire-free zone through the city.
These works have been scheduled during the quieter school holiday period to enable substantial construction to take place – preventing additional closures in 2026.
From 4 January 2026, work will commence at the Alinga Street light rail stop and along Northbourne Avenue between Rudd Street/Bunda Street and Vernon Circle intersection to prepare for track installation later in the month.
Works will also be taking place on Northbourne Avenue at Lyneham, between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road - adjacent to Netball ACT.
The Light Rail Stage 2A project will extend light rail from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, creating a seamless link from Gungahlin to Commonwealth Park, and will bring the city closer to the lake and connecting the southern part of the CBD and key education, employment and recreation destinations.
Travel impacts
Temporary closures and traffic detours will be in place throughout January to ensure works are carried out safely while commuters move around the city during this significant construction phase of the project.
From 7:00 am Sunday 4 January to 5:00 am Monday 2 February:
- Northbourne Avenue will be fully closed to traffic in both directions between Vernon Circle and Cooyong Street, with the exception of local traffic which will be permitted to access driveways under traffic control.
- The intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street will be fully closed, including the pedestrian crossings across Alinga Street and the Alinga Street light rail stop. Pedestrians will need to use the crossings at Rudd Street/Bunda Street (north) or London Circuit (south) during this time.
From 7:00 am Monday 12 January to 6:00 pm Friday 23 January:
- Northbourne Avenue will be reduced to one-lane in each direction between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road.
- The northbound lanes of Northbourne Avenue will be closed between Mouat Street and Swinden Street from 8:00 pm Friday 16 January and 6:00 Monday 19 January. Southbound travel only will be permitted during this period.
Electronic variable message signs (VMS) will be in place to direct motorists and on-road cyclists travelling through these areas. Traffic controls and signage will also be in place at all times to support road users and maintain local vehicles access to driveways.
Light rail service changes
There will be no light rail services operating between Alinga Street and Sandford Street, Mitchell, from first service on Monday 12 January to last service on Friday 23 January to allow the existing light rail network to be connected to the Stage 2A extension to Commonwealth Park.
During this time, rail replacement buses will run at the normal light rail frequency, or better, between Alinga Street and Sandford Street and continue on to Well Station Drive.
Rail replacement buses will operate from platform 4 of the city bus interchange.
Light rail services will continue to operate north of Sandford Street, from the Well Station Drive to Gungahlin Place light rail stops. The Park and Ride facilities at EPIC, Well Station Drive and Swinden Street will also remain open.
Localised noise, dust and vibration may occur during this works, and environmental controls will be in place to minimise these impacts accordingly.
Detours, signage and wayfinding at the city bus interchange and impacted light rail stops will be in place to support passengers.
City bus interchange platform changes
Platforms 1, 2 and 3 at the city bus interchange will be closed from Monday 5 January to Sunday 1 February to allow important works to be completed at the intersection of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue.
During this time, bus services which normally depart from these platforms will be temporarily moved to other interchange platforms on Mort Street.
Rail replacement buses will operate from platform 4 and bus services which normally depart from this platform will temporarily be moved to other interchange platforms on Mort Street.
Bus services will continue to run to the school bus holiday timetable and will depart from their normal stops outside of the city bus interchange.
Signage will be in place to assist passengers during this time.
Passengers are also reminded an interim bus network will commence from first service Monday, 2 February 2026, aligning with all students returning to school for Term 1.
Plan ahead
Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and visit Travel Impacts - Built for CBR for updates when travelling over the holiday period.
Canberrans are also reminded there will be major traffic changes from January as part of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project being delivered by the National Capital Authority (NCA) on behalf of the Australian Government.
Information on the project including the impacts to motorists and roads, the public transport network and foot/bike paths can be found on the NCA website.
Detailed information on public transport services, including changes to light rail services, rail replacement buses, and the city bus interchange can be found at www.transport.act.gov.au
