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 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.
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.
Project timeline
Light Rail Stage 2A City to Commonwealth Park: Construction commenced in early 2025. Construction is expected to take two years with a further year of testing and commissioning to be undertaken, before services commence in in 2028.
Light Rail Stage 2B Commonwealth Park to Woden: It’s anticipated that Stage 2B construction will commence in 2028 following the completion of Stage 2A, with the entire Light Rail to Woden project anticipated to be complete in 2033.
Project Benefits
- 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
- Cuts transport emissions for a cleaner environment
- Improves transport network efficiency
- One ticket, one fare, one network for passengers
Stage 2A
Light Rail 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 will be built between the City and Commonwealth Park.
The new stops will be at:
- Edinburgh Avenue
- City South
- Commonwealth Park
Construction of Stage 2A is expected to begin in February 2025.
Light Rail Stage 2A early site investigation works were complete in 2024 and compounds for the project have been set up from November 2024, with the final one to be mobilised in February 2025. Main construction on this project will begin in February 2025. It’s anticipated that the extension of light rail to Commonwealth Park will be complete in 2028.
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.
At least 9 extra stops will be added along this route.
This complex project requires several Commonwealth and Territory planning and environmental approvals, which 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.
Canberrans were consulted on Light Rail Stage 2B in early 2024. Views captured through community engagement are being used to inform the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) and draft Concept Design. The draft EIS will be on public exhibition commencing in early 2025.
It is anticipated that Stage 2B construction will commence following the completion of Stage 2A, in 2028.
Stage 2B alignment
The ACT Government’s preferred alignment is to take light rail past Parliament House via State Circle. However, alternative stop options in the National Triangle and Barton are being studied to ensure the project can be flexible and responsive as planning work progresses.
Project Updates
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
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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