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 2027. A testing and commissioning phase will follow, with regular services set to start in 2028.
- Following progress on major public realm improvements and track works at Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street in January 2026, upcoming works will primarily focus on Commonwealth Avenue and Parkes Way. To allow these works to continue safely, intermittent road and lane closures will be in place during this time.
Stage 2B:
- Design and environmental approvals for Stage 2B are progressing. We are reviewing feedback received during the draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) public exhibition. The revised report will be submitted to the Environment Authority for consideration and approval. Find out more on the digital EIS platform.
- The ACT Government has confirmed the alignment for Light Rail to Woden: Stage 2B (Stage 2B).
- The State Circle East alignment will be included in the Final EIS to be submitted later this year.
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
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.
Infrastructure Canberra submitted a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) to both the Australian and ACT governments for approval. The draft EIS was on exhibition for 45 business days between 7 July 2025 and 5 September 2025. Submissions will be used to inform revisions to the draft EIS, where appropriate. 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 will be submitted as part of the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) later this year.
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.
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
Construction expected to be completed early 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