Network performance
The traffic network is operating as expected following the return from school holidays and the commencement of the NCA's bridge closure.
However, commuters are still adjusting to the changes on the road network and the reopening of Northbourne Avenue following the January construction blitz.
Delays are being observed where expected in the traffic network, and the extent of the delays is generally aligning with the modelling undertaken last year.
The delay being experienced is around 9 minutes southbound, compared with the 13 minute delay that was modelled. However, there is delay of an extra around 2 minutes northbound, compared to what was expected in the modelling.
'Construction' bus network progress
The updated 'construction' bus network is in its second week of operation, with steady improvements showing in the performance and reliability of the network.
Transport Canberra built the updated network and timetable on the modelled impact of the NCA's bridge closure to maintain the reliability of bus services across the city. The updated network was also designed to keep Canberra moving during the bridge renewal works by protecting core frequencies, prioritising key corridors, and ensuring we could maintain key routes across the city.
The real experience of delays on the traffic network have demonstrated the importance of the updated bus network and timetable, which took these impacts into account.
However, Transport Canberra are monitoring marginal variances in actual travel times to inform timetable improvements in the bus network which will be made in the second half of 2026.
It's been positive to see strong ridership along the extended R5 and R6 routes into Belconnen interchange, which tells us that passengers are starting to adjust to the new services being provided.
Transport Canberra acknowledges there have been some instances of bus services running early. We will continue to work with our drivers and make adjustments to service timings, where possible, to ensure buses arrive at stops when expected.
Recent monitoring identified pressure in West Belconnen, particularly around Kippax, during peak periods. In response, additional buses were added early last week to provide more frequent travel options and capacity from Kippax into Belconnen.
We will continue to monitor how the network is performing in West Belconnen and will work with our drivers and operations team, alongside our passengers, to make necessary adjustments.
If we are confident there is spare 'minutes' in the network, we will seek to invest this spare capacity in service improvements as soon as possible in the second half of the year. Improving services in West Belconnen will be a priority in a revised timetable.
Plan ahead
Transport Canberra is committed to continuing to review network performance and make adjustments where needed in line with demand and conditions.
With construction on and around Commonwealth Avenue Bridge continuing, commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and consider travelling outside peak periods where possible.
People can check traffic conditions using platforms such as Waze Navigation and Live Traffic, Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Updated timetables, maps and school information packs remain available on the Transport Canberra website, and journey planning tools in both the MyWay+ app and online journey planner continue to reflect the latest network information.
