City improvement works begin near Sydney and Melbourne Buildings


Released 21/09/2018

Work begins on Monday on new pedestrian areas as well as seating, lighting, a cycle path and outdoor dining within distinctive formal landscaping outside Canberra’s historic Sydney and Melbourne buildings.

The efficient construction works to make the Central Business District of Canberra more attractive, safer and easier to get around will reclaim the road verge on Northbourne Avenue for public use by Christmas.

Simple changes to the verges on Northbourne Avenue adjacent to the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings will complement the new Alinga Street light rail stop, future extension of the bus interchange as well as ready the area for the City to Woden light rail route.

By doing the verge work now, we won’t need to do it in the future when we build the next stage of light rail.

We are delivering a new integrated transport network that needs to be supported by an effective interchange in the City for pedestrians, cyclists as well as bus and light rail commuters.

It will be easier for people to move around and enjoy the new public space making the area attractive for businesses.

The works will be completed before Christmas with regular notifications for businesses and residents as well as public notices on changed traffic and pedestrian conditions in the area.

We have made adjustments to our construction works to minimise noise, monitor vibration and protect the heritage of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings.

If you are travelling by foot, vehicle or bike near Northbourne Avenue between London Circuit and Rudd Street, take extra care, slow down, follow the signs and stay safe.

We thank people for their patience as we undertake this work efficiently.

Location and timing of works

Works will be carried out from Monday 24 September 2018 until the end of the year in both directions on Northbourne Avenue between London Circuit and Rudd/Bunda Street.

Location and timing of lane closures

Traffic flow on Northbourne Avenue will be reduced from three lanes to two lanes while works are undertaken on the verge abutting the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings as well as works for the light rail project.

Two lanes of traffic will be open in both directions at all times, but a lane change will be required for road users travelling north or south along Northbourne Avenue.

Care should be taken by road users, cyclist and pedestrians moving along Northbourne Avenue between London Circuit and Rudd/Bunda Street.

One lane (the far left lane), the on-road cycle path and the footpath will be closed in both directions between London Circuit and Alinga Street while these works are carried out. Detours will be in place for pedestrians and cyclists around the construction site. Cyclists will be directed to dismount and walk along the building colonnade.

Effects on traffic

  • Delays are expected.
  • Pedestrian and cycle access will be affected and there will be detours in place.
  • Cyclists will be asked to dismount and walk through the detour.
  • A lane change will be required by road users travelling north and south on Northbourne.
  • Barriers, warning signs and directional signage will be erected to alert road users, pedestrians and cyclists to the closures.
  • Road users and pedestrians are asked to be mindful of the changed traffic arrangements and to seek an alternate route where possible.

- Statement ends -

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