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Light Rail to Woden

Funding: Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park is jointly funded by the Australian Government and the ACT Government, with a total investment of $575.3 million.

Current updates

Check current road changes and other impacts from light rail construction using the online construction impacts map.

Stage 2A:

  • Construction started in early 2025 and is expected to be completed in early 2027. A testing and commissioning phase will follow, with regular services set to start in early 2028.
  • Recent key works that have been completed across the Stage 2A alignment include rail installation across the London Circuit/Commonwealth Avenue intersection, new verges in front of the Sydney and Melbourne buildings, and the completion of structures and canopies at the future Commonwealth Park and City South light rail stops.
  • As construction continues throughout the remainder of 2026, intermittent road and lane closures will be in place to allow critical works to be carried out safely. Plan your journey ahead by visiting the Travel Impacts page.

Stage 2B:

  • The ACT Government has confirmed the alignment for Light Rail to Woden: Stage 2B (Stage 2B). The State Circle East alignment is included in the revised, final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
  • Environmental approvals for Stage 2B are progressing. The revised, final EIS has been submitted to the Australian and ACT governments for consideration and approval. An outcome is expected by the end of the year. Find out more on the digital EIS platform.
  • The scope, timing and delivery of the project will depend on any conditions attached to environment approvals. Following this, the project will require planning approvals from both the Australian and ACT governments and approval from both Houses of the Australian Parliament.
  • Construction is expected to commence from around 2030 and is subject to these approvals, the project’s procurement strategy and broader project planning.

Overview

The Light Rail to Woden project will be delivered in 2 stages:

  • Stage 2A will extend light rail from the City to Commonwealth Park
  • Stage 2B will further extend light rail south from Commonwealth Park to Woden.

This phased approach will allow us to progress with the construction of the route from the City to Commonwealth Park while completing the consultation and approval process with both the Australian and ACT governments for Commonwealth Park to Woden.

Stage 2A is under construction and is expected to be completed in 2027, followed by testing and commissioning.

Stage 2B is seeking environmental approvals.

Stage 2A

Stage 2A will extend the light rail system a further 1.7km from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, following along London Circuit West. With this extension, three new stops are being built between the City and Commonwealth Park.

The new stops will be at:

  • Edinburgh Avenue
  • City South
  • Commonwealth Park

Stage 2A alignment

Alternative route map for Stage 2A alignment.

Stage 2B

Light Rail Stage 2B will pass over Lake Burley Griffin, through the National Triangle and continue along Adelaide Avenue to Woden.

Nine extra stops will be added along this alignment.

This complex project requires several Australian and ACT government environmental and planning approvals. These require a substantial amount of design, assessment and consultation to be undertaken.

Environmental approvals require careful and considerate planning to preserve the National Triangle’s cultural and heritage significance, maintain the well-known vistas that Canberra is known for and ensure Canberrans have access to a reliable and convenient transport option.

The draft EIS was on exhibition for 45 business days between 7 July 2025 and 5 September 2025. The revised, final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) has been submitted to the Australian and ACT governments for consideration and approval. An outcome is expected by the end of the year. Find out more on the digital EIS platform.

Stage 2B alignment

The ACT Government confirmed the alignment for Light Rail to Woden: Stage 2B in May 2026.

The State Circle East alignment was submitted as part of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) submitted in June 2026.

The alignment decision follows the environmental assessment of two alignment options. These options were included in the project’s draft EIS which went on public exhibition last year.

The proposed light rail extension would run from Commonwealth Avenue through the National Triangle along the east side of State Circle to Adelaide Avenue and on to Woden.

The extension would add nine new stops to the network.

The alignment features a direct route between the City and Woden. Proposed stops on Commonwealth Avenue and State Circle would be located within a 10-minute walk of key business, residential and cultural destinations.

Map showing Canberra Light Rail stages and precincts between the City and Woden. The route runs from Alinga Street in the City through Commonwealth Park, Kings Avenue, Sydney Avenue, Melbourne Avenue, Hopetoun Circuit, Yarra Glen and Phillip to the Woden Public Transport Interchange. Existing, under-construction and proposed light rail stops are marked, along with Stage 1, Stage 2A and Stage 2B sections and five Stage 2B precincts: Commonwealth Avenue, Parliament House, Inner South, Yarra Glen and Woden.

Community benefits

  • Increased public transport capacity
  • Improved urban amenity and active travel options
  • Better access to workplaces, businesses, education centres and community events
  • Accessible for people of all abilities
  • Better public transport options for Canberra’s southside
  • Lowers transport emissions for a cleaner environment
  • Improves transport network efficiency
  • One ticket, one fare, one network for passengers
  • Use of green track and wire-free areas

Project features

  • Better lighting to create a safer and more appealing precinct in the evenings.
  • Improved seating and outdoor dining spaces to enjoy food and drink from local businesses.
  • Trees and gardens to cool the space in summer and let the sunshine through in winter.
  • An open and versatile space that supports both special events and everyday activities.

Project Updates

Find out more

Find out more about Light Rail to Woden or subscribe to get project updates.

Project timeline

  • Planning and Design

  • Community Engagement

  • Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park under construction

    Construction expected to be completed in early 2027

  • Stage 2B Commonwealth Park to Woden under construction

    Construction is expected to commence from around 2030

  • Expected project completion