The new plantings will complement the existing trees in the city centre.
31 August 2026
In brief:
- More than 140 new trees will be planted in the city centre as part of the Light Rail Stage 2A extension.
- The plantings will increase the tree canopy and help create a greener city.
- A new tree plantings map is available online.
The Light Rail Stage 2A extension is progressing with more than 140 new trees to be planted along the corridor.
The trees will be planted from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park.
They will enhance the urban landscape and help create a greener, more connected city.
A new online Tree Plantings map, is your guide to the new urban treescape.
The new plantings are expected to increase the tree canopy coverage along the route from 14 per cent to more than 30 per cent.
They will support the targets outlined in the ACT Government’s Urban Forest Strategy.
By working towards these targets, the project is set to deliver infrastructure that supports a greener, more connected Canberra.
What type of trees will be planted?
The tree species are a mix of evergreen and deciduous (trees that lose their leaves and change their colour throughout the year).
They include:
- Himalayan Cedars
- Tulip Trees
- London Planes
- Pin Oaks
- Japanese Zelkova
- Chinese Elms.
The trees will complement the existing trees along Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. These include:
- Red Spotted Gums
- Himalayan Cedars
- London Planes
- Pin Oaks.
When will I see the new trees in the city centre?
Construction crews have already started planting trees.
London Plane trees were installed outside the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings in June.
Most planting is set to take place later this year to avoid the risk of damaging the new trees during heavy construction.

The online Tree Planting map has more information on the types of trees that will be planted.
Where can I find out more?
You can look at the new Tree Plantings map on the Built for CBR website. It includes:
- the location of the new trees
- the environmental design decisions
- their environmental significance.
When will the project be finished?
Major construction of Stage 2A is expected to be completed in early 2027. Light Rail services start will begin in early 2028 following testing and commissioning.
Recent work that has been completed includes:
- rail installation across the London Circuit/Commonwealth Avenue intersection
- new verges in front of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings
- structures and canopies at the future Commonwealth Park and City South light rail stops.
Visit the Built for CBR website to see the Tree Plantings map and find out more about the Light Rail to Woden project.
Read more like this:
- Light Rail to Woden alignment confirmed
- Funding boost to improve Sydney to Canberra rail link
- Upgrades on major Canberra roads continue
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