Released 15/12/2022
The ACT Government is thanking Canberrans for “rethinking their routine” during the first two weeks of disruption following the closure of London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue.
“I would like to thank Canberrans for their patience over the past two weeks as they have adjusted to changed traffic conditions in the city,” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
“Major infrastructure projects now under construction are disruptive but they will ensure that our city is better connected, sustainable and vibrant in the long term.
“The Government has been closely monitoring the traffic around the city during construction and as expected, there has been some disruption on certain road corridors since the closure of the southern section of London Circuit and the two cloverleaf ramps on Commonwealth Avenue.”
The Roads ACT Traffic Management Centre in Fyshwick has been monitoring the road network and making interventions as required. As expected the traffic network has experienced some increased congestion, but also underuse in other parts of the traffic network.
Observations made so far include:
- key corridors experiencing an increase in vehicles include Constitution Avenue, Vernon Circle and Commonwealth Avenue
- traffic conditions have improved for vehicles travelling eastbound on Parkes Way during the morning peak up to Coranderrk St. However, Parkes Way westbound near Edinburgh Avenue, and Parkes Way eastbound (at the Anzac Parade roundabout) in the morning have seen some congestion
- there is significant congestion on Constitution Avenue during morning and afternoon peak times
- Edinburgh Avenue is currently being underused as an access point to the city
- traffic volumes are lower on Mondays and Fridays
“Travel times along Constitution Avenue have increased during peak periods since the closures with commuters sometimes experiencing delays in trying to exit car parks onto Constitution Avenue,” said Minister Steel.
“Long traffic queues have also been observed along sections of Parkes Way and Commonwealth Avenue. However, with traffic typically lower at this time of year and manual intervention by the Traffic Management Centre adjusting the phasing of traffic lights at key intersections, we are seeing traffic continue to move efficiently.”
Minister Steel said that new signals at the Coranderrk St roundabout on Parkes Way were working better than intended, providing better traffic flow eastbound on Parkes Way in the morning peak.
“The new signals have really proven their worth on the traffic network. At the moment, conditions for eastbound traffic on Parkes Way up to Coranderrk Street in the mornings are better during the peak than before the disruption began.
“This intervention is important as with the next phase of disruption next year, we expect to see more traffic volume on Parkes Way.”
The underuse of Edinburgh Avenue has been observed for citybound traffic and Canberrans are encouraged to take this route.
“The majority of citybound motorists are choosing to travel via Commonwealth Avenue and Constitution Avenue, with low use of Edinburgh Avenue. Motorists are encouraged to rethink their travel routes and consider accessing the City via Edinburgh Avenue,” said Minister Steel.
“We’ve also observed lower traffic volumes on Monday and Friday. If you work one or two days from the office and have to use your car, consider travelling on one or both of those days when traffic volumes are not so high on approaches to the City.”
Minister Steel said that while the first stage of disruption had begun, the Government was preparing for expected lane closures on Commonwealth Avenue next year.
“As we move into the next construction phase in the first half of 2023, we expect there to be further disruption. This will not only affect private motorists but will also increase bus journey times, which have been accommodated in a new timetable for term 1 2023.
“The new timetable responds to the disruption and focuses on reliability and delivering frequency during peak periods. The extra journey time has to be factored into the timetable and will result in a temporary reduction in the number of bus services which can be operated, particularly in off-peak times. Once we have monitored the actual impact on bus run times, during the next phase of construction, we will consider an uplift in services in the second half of 2023.”
The term 1 timetable has been published at www.transport.act.gov.au/getting-around/timetables2/term-1-timetable.
For more information on upcoming traffic changes, detour routes and alternative travel options, visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.
- Statement ends -
Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases