A temporary road over London Circuit will ensure two lanes of traffic are maintained on Commonwealth Avenue during peak hours.
28 July 2023
The ACT Government is hitting another major milestone on extending light rail to Canberra’s south with the imminent opening of a temporary road over London Circuit.
This new temporary road on the west side of Commonwealth Avenue ensures two lanes of traffic in each direction are maintained during peak hours. It enables the next major phase of the Raising London Circuit project to remove the southbound bridge on Commonwealth Avenue over London Circuit.
It is expected that from around mid-August, drivers heading north on Commonwealth Avenue towards the city will be diverted onto this temporary road across London Circuit.
Canberrans heading south towards the lake will be diverted to the current northbound Commonwealth Avenue bridge over London Circuit.
Once the southbound bridge is removed, work will be undertaken to build up the eastern side of London Circuit. New permanent southbound lanes will be built on the raised section and another side track will be built on the eastern side.
Further traffic changes on Commonwealth Avenue are expected late this year, or early next year with northbound traffic to be diverted to the new southbound lanes and southbound traffic onto the new temporary road. This then allows for the removal of the northbound bridge over London Circuit.
By using temporary roads to divert traffic, work can be done whilst minimising disruption to Canberrans.
When complete, a raised London Circuit will create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians, but there will also be access for riding and walking during construction.
During the next stage there will be a shared path separated from the vehicle lanes by traffic barriers on the western side track, as well as a cyclist lane heading southbound next to the diverted southbound traffic lanes.
As construction continues, there will also be more trucks in and around the city. Rethink your routine and consider travelling to the city outside peak times, use public transport, active travel or use the Park and Ride or Bike and Ride facilities across Canberra.
To facilitate the opening of the side track, a full closure of Commonwealth Avenue between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle is expected to be in place from 6pm Sunday to 6am Monday – the day before the traffic switch starts operations.
Detours will be in place via Parkes Way to access the city, or alternatively Canberrans travelling from South Canberra can use Kings Avenue Bridge.
For more information on upcoming traffic changes and alternative travel options, visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts
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