The ACT Government is getting on with building light rail to Woden, releasing the first tender for physical works which will start delivery of this major infrastructure project.
Enabling works for the relocation of utility assets are now out for contract and will include the first visible signs of work in the coming months.
Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said these essential utility relocation works must be completed prior to other light rail projects starting such as raising London Circuit, due to get underway in 2022.
"Building light rail to Woden is the single largest infrastructure build in our city's history, and the start of construction on early works is now very close," Minister Steel said.
"We're getting on with building light rail, investing in better public transport and supporting local jobs. Subject to obtaining works approval for the early works and the procurement process, construction is expected to begin as early as August."
The scope of these early works includes moving telecommunications and water utilities from their current location on London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue, to a new location along Vernon Circle.
This will ensure that essential services are not disrupted once main works start on raising London Circuit and other parts of delivering Stage 2 of light rail to Woden.
The works will require some localised short-term temporary lane closures. Changes to traffic will be advertised prior to works commencing and traffic control will be in place to assist motorists in construction areas.
The ACT Government is currently planning how we manage traffic disruption in and around the city once the broader construction works get underway.
Whilst there will be some disruption associated with the early works, the most disruptive period will begin in 2022, and the Government will be providing clear information to business and the community throughout the project to help minimise the impacts.
"Building light rail is going to be very disruptive during construction, but the project will deliver the long term benefits of making Canberra a more connected, sustainable and vibrant city," Minister Steel said.
The ACT Government has recently launched a virtual engagement room which will keep Canberrans up to date on the latest project developments for Stage 2 of light rail to Woden as early works get underway.
Visit the engagement room: here
Download light rail project renders here
