Released 18/06/2025
Construction is set to begin on Canberra’s first light rail bridge, a major milestone in connecting the city to Commonwealth Park and Acton Waterfront.
The new rail bridge - spanning Parkes Way between the existing Commonwealth Avenue road bridges - has been designed to carry two fully loaded light rail vehicles at once - the equivalent of about 70 cars.
The new bridge will be a vital connection between the city, Commonwealth Park and the Acton Waterfront, forming a key piece of infrastructure for the future light rail network.
Bridge piling works for the foundations will begin in late June, paving the way for the installation of massive steel girder frames later in the year, using an 800-tonne crane stationed in the Parkes Way median - a significant engineering feat.
To ensure piling works can be undertaken safely, Parkes Way will be closed under Commonwealth Avenue in both directions between Coranderrk Street and the Glenloch Interchange from 8pm on Friday 27 June until 5am on Monday 30 June, and potentially from 8pm on Friday 4 July until 5am on Monday 7 July.
Traffic controls and signage will be put in place to safely direct motorists along alternative routes.
Eastbound traffic will be directed along either Caswell Drive or Lady Denman Drive, while westbound traffic will be diverted across Commonwealth Avenue.
Works have been scheduled to take place over weekends to minimise the impact to Canberra’s road network. Public transport may experience some delays during these works.
Additional road closures will be required in the coming months as construction continues on this vital asset.
The community will be notified in advance about any potential impacts and traffic changes.
We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your patience and understanding.
More details on road changes and other impacts relating to the construction of light rail are available on the online construction impacts map.
To view the map and stay up to date visit https://www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.
- Statement ends -
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