Released 22/09/2021
Utilities relocation works are starting on London Circuit as work gets underway on Canberra’s biggest-ever infrastructure project, light rail to Woden.
Minster for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said the quiet time on Canberra’s roads is a good time to get on with the relocation of critical water and communications utilities assets in preparation for major construction works to raise London Circuit and deliver Stage 2 of Light Rail.
“As we get on with the work of building a better public transport system, Canberrans can now expect to see early works beginning at the southern end of the CBD,” said Minster Steel.
“Work has now started on moving underground utilities from their current position along London Circuit to a new alignment on Constitution Avenue, Vernon Circle and Edinburgh Avenue.”
“By doing this work now, it reduces the risk of damage to critical utilities when we start the main construction work on raising London Circuit in 2022, and following that, building stations and laying track
“These initial works are not expected to create significant traffic disruption but there will be changes to public parking access, and minor temporary traffic changes in the city.”
As part of these preparatory works, the section of London Circuit between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue will be closed temporarily from this Friday 24 September to Tuesday 28 September. The road will be closed after the evening peak on Friday evening.
Traffic diversions will be in place, re-routing drivers into the city via Vernon Circle and along Edinburgh and Constitution Avenues.
A construction site compound has also been established in the carpark on the corner of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue, with some associated loss of car parks. Around 400 carparks – including disability parking – remain available for the Canberra community.
These utility relocations are expected to take approximately nine months, with further temporary changes to local traffic arrangements expected at various times throughout this phase of work. As activity progresses, any changes will be published as new works notifications at act.gov.au/lightrailtowoden
The ACT Government has also opened a competitive two-stage tender process for the raising of London Circuit to create an at-grade intersection with Commonwealth Avenue.
The first stage is seeking expressions of interest from pre-qualified construction companies, and closes on 14 October. Responses will be evaluated and a short list of providers will then be invited to participate in the Request for Tender process later in the year.
Canberrans can expect more significant impacts on traffic, public transport and active travel routes to and from the city when the London Circuit main construction works get underway in 2022.
“Raising London Circuit up to the same level of Commonwealth Avenue will create people oriented streets, providing better connections for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport,” said Minister Steel.
“This project and light rail will make Canberra a more vibrant, sustainable and connected city, supporting more than 6000 jobs in construction.”
More information on light rail to Woden is available at act.gov.au/lightrailtowoden
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases