Light rail passengers and road users are advised to plan ahead with temporary service disruptions and traffic changes planned as construction continues on the Light Rail Stage 2A to Commonwealth Park.
During November and December, essential works including rail, signalling, communications, utilities, and testing will take place around the Alinga Street stop and along the alignment to prepare to connect the existing network to the new extension to Commonwealth Park.
Works will also be taking place on Northbourne Avenue at Lyneham, between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road, adjacent to Netball ACT. This includes completion of the new traction power station, a critical first step in the testing and commissioning process.
To support the safe delivery of these works, there will be changes to traffic and buses will replace light rail service at times during November and December.
Main construction works remain on track to be completed in early 2027. This will be followed by a testing and commissioning phase ahead of the first services to the new city stops starting in early 2028.
Rail replacement buses
Light rail services across the entire network, between Alinga Street and Gungahlin Place, will be replaced by buses:
- from the first service on Saturday 28 November to the last service on Sunday 29 November; and
- from the first service on Saturday 19 December to the last service on Tuesday 22 December.
Rail replacement buses, operated by CDC Canberra, will operate in both directions and service every stop along the light rail corridor.
These services will run at approximately the same or better frequency of normal light rail services.
Customers are not required to tap on and off on replacement buses. However, if connecting with other Transport Canberra bus services, they will still be required to tap on and tap off as usual.
Rail replacement bus services will be shown in the Journey Planner at their scheduled frequency. Customers are reminded the actual departure and arrival times may vary slightly from the scheduled frequency displayed in the journey planner.
Pedestrian crossing closures along Alinga Street may impact customers transferring between services at City Interchange. Wayfinding signage will be in place around the interchange.
Customers are encouraged to allow extra travel time for travel and transfers, and to check the Transport Canberra website for detailed information on rail replacement bus stop locations and service details.
Future light rail network disruptions are expected in January 2027, with the community to be advised of specifics closer to the date.
Commonwealth Avenue traffic changes
From 8pm Friday 4 December, Commonwealth Avenue southbound will temporarily be reduced to one lane between Vernon Circle and Albert Street.
This will be in place for approximately three weeks to allow stormwater, track and pavement works to be undertaken in the area.
Northbourne Avenue traffic changes
The northbound lanes of Northbourne Avenue will be closed between Mouat Street and Swinden Street from 8pm Friday 4 December until 6am Monday 7 December. Southbound travel only will be permitted during this period.
Bus stop 4552 will be closed and northbound service for route 18 will be diverted. Please proceed to Dickson bus interchange platform 2 for route 18 northbound services. Details can be found on the Transport Canberra website.
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.
