In brief:

• London Circuit has reopened to motorists, between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue
• Canberrans should note there is a new, raised intersection with Commonwealth Avenue, and new traffic lights.
• This article gives an overview of the project and outlines what is still to come.

The Raising London Circuit Project has reached a significant milestone.

London Circuit east has reopened to vehicles in both directions.

Motorists are now driving on the newly raised intersection at London Circuit, between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.

Please be aware there are new traffic lights at this intersection.

Reopening the road has reduced traffic pressure on Constitution Avenue.

It has also eased peak-hour congestion on the eastern side of the city.

What does this mean for buses, pedestrians and cyclists?

Buses no longer need to detour around Vernon Circle. This makes bus trips more direct.

Pedestrians, cyclists and scooter-riders will also benefit. New accessible footpath links and dedicated cycle lanes will open in June.

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Why raise London Circuit?

To create a level intersection with Commonwealth Avenue, London Circuit has been raised by six metres.

A raised London Circuit better connects the city with the lake. In doing so, it:

• improves active travel connections across the city
• creates more attractive and useable public spaces
• builds opportunities for diverse land use
• prepares the city for the extension of light rail.

What has happened so far?

Around 60,000 cubic metres of fill – primarily soil – was used to raise London Circuit to meet Commonwealth Avenue.

This came from a Barton construction site. This reuse of materials aligns with the project’s focus on sustainability.

In building the raised intersection, the works undertaken have included:

• removal, relocation and installation of utilities
• construction of embankments and side tracks to allow for traffic staging
• construction of new retaining walls
• installation of new streetlighting and traffic signals
• tree planting and landscaping.

How is this part of extending light rail?

A raised London Circuit is an important foundation for extending Canberra’s light rail.

It provides a level and more accessible intersection for pedestrians and active travellers in the area. This includes future light rail passengers.

Construction on Light Rail Project 2A is underway and will add three new light rail stops. These will be at:

• Edinburgh Avenue
• City south
• Commonwealth Park.

Light Rail Project 2B will follow, taking the light rail to Woden.

It is the largest transport infrastructure project in Canberra’s history.

It will deliver improved public transport for decades.

What else is happening in the city?

Construction continues on London Circuit.

• Finishing and landscape works on the Raising London Circuit project will continue on London Circuit between Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue.
• London Circuit west remains closed to on-road traffic between Edinburgh Avenue and Northbourne Avenue.
• Sections of London Circuit east between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane also remain closed to motorists and on-road cyclists.
• Weekend closures of Parkes Way will be in place in late June and early July as works get underway on Canberra’s first light rail bridge.
• Work is being completed in stages to minimise impact.
• Shared paths are in place for cyclists, pedestrians and other active travellers.
• There is signage to help you follow safe detours.

Stay up to date on travel impacts

You can find details on road changes and other impacts on the online construction impacts map.

Visit the Builtforcbr website to stay up to date on all travel impacts.

Read more like this:

• Construction begins on Light Rail Stage 2A
• Light Rail Stage 2A business support measures
• Light rail green track prototype complete
• Additional funding for light rail

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