The first sections of track for Light Rail Stage 2A are now in the ground, marking a major milestone in extending the network to Commonwealth Park.
Construction crews installed the new track this week at the Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue intersection as part of a month‑long construction blitz connecting the current network with the 1.7‑kilometre extension.
Stage 2A is one of a several major projects currently underway to revitalise and reshape how Canberrans move around and experience our city.
It forms part of the biggest transformation of our city centre since self-government – modernising the city centre and setting Canberra up as a more connected, liveable city for decades to come.
With utility upgrade works almost complete and the Northbourne Avenue works reaching their final stages, crews will turn their attention to further trackwork across London Circuit West and Commonwealth Avenue.
This year will also see construction on light rail stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park. Once complete, passengers will enjoy better access to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin.
Installation of "green track" on London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue will also begin later in the year. Sections of turf, groundcover and succulent species will help the track blend into the surrounding landscape, reduce glare, noise, dust, and absorb rainwater.
Other improvements on the way, include new traffic signals, street lighting and retaining walls, paving, asphalting and landscaping to complement the light rail extension.
Light rail services between Alinga Street and Sandford Street return to normal from first service tomorrow, Saturday 24 January 2026. Temporary platform arrangements and the city bus interchange will remain in place until Sunday 1 February 2026.
Construction of Light Rail Stage 2A will continue throughout 2026 ahead of testing and commissioning, with the first passenger services to the new city stops planned for 2028.
Light Rail to Woden Stage 2A is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments.
Quotes attributable to ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr:
"We are delivering on our commitments to improve public transport, build new facilities and revitalise ageing infrastructure in the city centre.
"Extending light rail is a key part of this plan, along with the new lyric theatre, the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the UNSW Canberra city campus.
"These are once in a generation investments that will make our city centre more accessible and create jobs and economic activity."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, The Hon Catherine King MP:
"The installation of new rail, south of the Alinga Street tram stop, shows progress on Canberra's next stage of light rail is tracking well.
"There's more than 4 million trips on Canberra's light rail every year, and the Albanese and Barr Labor Government's $577 million investment in Stage 2A is extending the light rail to even more of Canberra and setting the city up for the future."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport, Chris Steel:
"The laying of tracks is a significant milestone for the project, which remains on schedule to deliver operational light rail services to Commonwealth Park in 2028.
"I'd like to thank the community for their patience during the construction blitz and use of bus replacement services. Some further construction work will be required on Northbourne Avenue over the coming months, and we will keep the community updated.
"While this work is disruptive now it is part of a wider vision to improve Canberra's CBD for generations to come.
"By improving public transport from the city to the lake the project will provide better access to homes, workplaces, businesses, health services, education and recreation opportunities, including the ANU, the lake, City West and New Acton."
Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne:
"Seeing the first tracks laid is an exciting milestone that brings us one step closer to a more connected and accessible city for all Canberrans.
"This project is a fantastic example of the ACT and Commonwealth governments working together to deliver the modern infrastructure our growing community deserves."
