Funding: Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park: $575.3 million. Jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Government
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.
Design and environment approvals for Stage 2B are progressing
Infrastructure Canberra has submitted a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to both the Australian and ACT governments for approval. The draft EIS is now on public exhibition until Friday, 5 September 2025. Find out more on the digital EIS platform.
Online construction impacts map
Access the online construction impacts map to view current information about road changes and other impacts relating to the construction of light rail and the Raising London Circuit project.
Current update
- Stage 2A: Construction commenced in early 2025. Construction is expected to take two years with a further year of testing and commissioning, before services commence in in 2028.
- Design and environment approvals for Stage 2B are progressing. Infrastructure Canberra has submitted a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to both the Australian and ACT governments. The draft EIS is now on public exhibition to view and comment on until Friday, 5 September. Visit the digital EIS platform to find out more.
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
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.
Views captured through community engagement in 2024 have been used to inform the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Concept Design. The draft EIS is now on public exhibition until Friday, 5 September 2025. Find out more on the digital EIS platform.
Stage 2B alignment
The draft EIS has assessed the ACT Government’s preferred alignment, State Circle East, and an alternative alignment through the National Triangle and Barton. Following the public exhibition, the revised and final EIS will propose one alignment.
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
Building Light Rail to Woden Project Update July 2025 1.3 MB
Building Light Rail to Woden Project Update - June 2024 2.4 MB
Building Light Rail to Woden Project Update - December 2023 1.8 MB
Building Light Rail to Woden Project Update - April 2023 1.2 MB
Building Light Rail to Woden Project Update - May 2022 3 MB
Find out more
Find out more about Light Rail to Woden or subscribe to get project updates.
Project timeline
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Community Engagement
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Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park under construction
Expected to be complete in 2027
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Stage 2B Commonwealth Park to Woden under construction
Expected construction period 2028 to 2033
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Expected project completion