Released 22/11/2022
Canberrans are being urged to “rethink your routine” as work is set to begin on Raising London Circuit – a critical step in building Canberra’s biggest ever infrastructure project – light rail to Woden.
Light rail to Woden is part of the Government’s plans to deliver infrastructure that our growing city needs to ensure that the Canberra of 2030 continues to be one of the most liveable cities in the world. It’s a project that will better connect the north and south of our city and create thousands of local jobs over the coming years.
The raising of London Circuit will also create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians and revitalise the southern part of Canberra’s CBD, including the Canberra Theatre Precinct and connections to the Acton Waterfront.
As part of the project, London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue will close from Friday 2 December including the permanent closure of the two western cloverleaf ramps leading into the city.
Canberrans travelling to the city, particularly from the south, should rethink their routine during the construction.
“These closures are a significant change to our road network. Canberrans are encouraged to reconsider how and when they travel in and around the city,” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
“Traffic mitigation measures will ensure Canberrans and visitors can still access the city, visit their favourite shops and cafés or receive the local services they need. We just ask everyone to plan their trip and be patient while changes take place.
“Project planning has been more than a decade in the making. It’s what Canberrans voted for at multiple elections, and now we’re getting on with the job of delivering on that promise.
“This major construction work is about delivering our vision of a north-south mass-transit spine to make Canberra a more sustainable and better connected city.
“We are building the infrastructure that our growing city needs. This is about making sure that the Canberra of the next decade and beyond continues to be one of the world’s most liveable cities.”
New traffic lights and a bus lane on Vernon Circle will support traffic flow during construction, with buses to use Vernon Circle to access the city interchange from Friday 2 December. Buses will continue to service all stops in the city.
Work is also well progressed to extend the footpath near City Hill to allow safer pedestrian movement.
Detours will be in place to maintain access to Constitution Avenue, City east and west and Parkes Way eastbound from Commonwealth Avenue during the works.
South Canberra motorists can access City West:
- Using Vernon Circle and Northbourne Avenue turning west onto London Circuit.
- Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Edinburgh Avenue.
- Using Parkes Way Eastbound and using the exit onto Edinburgh Avenue.
- Using Parkes Way westbound, then using the Lawson Crescent exit to turn right on to Edinburgh Ave
South Canberra motorists can access City East:
- Using Vernon Circle and Northbourne Avenue turning east on London Circuit.
- Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Constitution Avenue.
- Using Parkes Way Eastbound to turn into either Coranderrk St or Allara St to get onto Constitution Avenue.
- Accessing the area via Kings Avenue Bridge, Parkes Way and the Coranderrk Street roundabout.
South Canberra motorists can access Parkes Way eastbound by:
- Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Edinburgh Avenue, then exiting Edinburgh Avenue onto Parkes Way eastbound.
- Using Vernon Circle North, then Constitution Avenue, then Coranderrk Street to join Parkes Way eastbound.
- Exiting Parkes Way westbound from Commonwealth Avenue, then using the Lawson Crescent exit to turn right and head back to Parkes Way eastbound.
- Using Kings Avenue Bridge instead of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
While efforts to minimise disruption throughout construction will continue, Canberrans are encouraged to rethink their routine by using public transport or avoiding travel during peak periods where possible.
For more information on upcoming traffic changes and alternative travel options visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases