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Project overview
Construction on Light Rail Stage 2A has begun. More information on Built for CBR.
Light Rail Stage 2A will extend the light rail system from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park. The 1.7km extension will follow along London Circuit West. It will feature three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South, and Commonwealth Park. The stops will help people access the ANU, their homes, and businesses in City West and New Acton.
Construction works are currently progressing and are expected to be completed in 2027. Testing and commissioning will be undertaken before passenger services can safely commence in 2028.
Stage 2A reached a major milestone in December 2023 with the signing of a contract with long term delivery partner Canberra Metro.
Light Rail Stage 2A will provide greater connection between the city and the lake. It will support active travel in the city by including new cycling and walking infrastructure. Several new trees will improve the urban landscape as part of the project.
Light Rail Stage 2A is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments.
Project features
Light rail Stage 2A features
Powered by renewables: Batteries will be retrofitted to the light rail fleet. This will enable wire free travel between Alinga Street and Commonwealth Park.
Accessible: People of all abilities can use light rail. It supports the use of wheelchairs and prams. Active travellers can bring their bicycles or scooters aboard, which can extend the reach of their commute.
Convenient: People will be able to board a service every 5-15 minutes on the extended route. Light rail vehicles have three times the capacity of a bus.
Landscape and aesthetic features
Stage 2A plans introduce landscape and aesthetic features that transform London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue.
Features include:
- a landscape that will preserve and strengthen the historic character of Commonwealth Avenue as a wide tree-lined boulevard. This includes proposed pin oak plantings in the Commonwealth Avenue median
- green track sections on parts of Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. Green tracks help reduce glare, noise, and dust. It absorbs rainwater and helps the track blend into the surrounding landscape
- construction of a new bridge over Parkes Way for light rail. It will lay in between the two Commonwealth Avenue bridges
- a discreet wire-free track to maintain Canberra’s iconic landmarks and views.
Safety features
The proposed design includes a range of safety features for cyclists and pedestrians. Features include:
- dedicated or separated paths for pedestrians and cyclists
- two new signalised intersections on London Circuit at West Row and University Avenue. They will provide safe and controlled pedestrian and cyclist crossings
- in-ground pedestrian lights in key locations. They will alert and remind pedestrians to cross light rail tracks safely
- protected cycle ways on newly designed intersections. They will be London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, and London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue.
- a cobbled median on London Circuit West. It will help pedestrians and cyclists differentiate the light rail corridor from the roadway.
Light rail depot expansion
The expanded light rail depot in Mitchell is now complete, providing a space for the existing light rail fleet to be fitted with battery technology. This will allow for wire-free running of the entire fleet.
Five new light rail vehicles will join the existing fleet. These new vehicles will pre-fitted with battery technology. They will help maintain a consistent light rail service while the existing vehicles are upgraded.
The first of these new vehicles arrived in 2024. Once here, the vehicles will be tested, commissioned and added to the existing fleet. The process will allow for the current fleet to be gradually taken offline throughout 2025 - 2026 to retrofit them with the new battery technology.