Released 30/10/2021
Light rail to Woden has reached an important milestone with the Works Approval and Environmental Assessment for the raising of London Circuit lodged with the NCA, and open for Canberrans to view have their say.
“Raising London Circuit is a key step towards delivering light rail to Woden. It will provide an at-grade intersection with Commonwealth Avenue to support light rail, and improve the connection of the city and the lake,” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
“The project will transform the Southern end of the CBD, from an untraversable road interchange, into people oriented streets for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.”
To facilitate the first section of light rail from the City to Commonwealth Park, London Circuit is proposed to be raised by six metres.
Works will involve changing the current split-level, overpass-underpass configuration into a more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly intersection by raising the road level on either side of Commonwealth Avenue. This major project will require the delivery of approximately 60,000 cubic metres of fill.
Works Approval and Environmental Assessment documentation for raising London Circuit was lodged with the National Capital Authority earlier this month, and Canberrans are invited to have their say over the coming month.
“We know Canberrans are very interested in how we will protect the important environmental and heritage values in the construction zone as this project moves forward," said Minister Steel.
"The Environmental Assessment prepared as part of the Works Approval examines the expected benefits and impacts of the project and identifies a range of mitigation and management measures for public consideration.
“Community feedback is vital to ensuring all potential project impacts and opportunities are closely considered."
The full documents are available via the NCA website, where Canberrans can lodge questions, view videos, maps and fact sheets for the next three weeks to inform themselves about the proposal.
From Saturday 20 November 2021 members of the community can then make a formal submission via the website until the closing time at 5pm on Friday 10 December 2021.
Early preparatory works for raising London Circuit are already underway in the city. These works involve moving underground utilities from their current position along London Circuit to a new alignment on Constitution Avenue, Vernon Circle and Edinburgh Avenue.
Undertaking this work now will reduce the risk of damage to critical utilities when main construction work kicks off in mid-2022, pending NCA approval.
To view the Works Approval and have your say, visit www.nca.gov.au.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases