The first major works for the delivery of light rail stage 2A is starting in the city today with construction beginning on the project to raise London Circuit.
“Connecting London Circuit to Commonwealth Avenue is a significant step forward for light rail, activating the southern part of Canberra’s CBD, Canberra Theatre precinct and providing better connections to the Acton waterfront,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said in a statement issued this morning.
“This investment will support hundreds of jobs and enable thousands more as we get to work on building the important infrastructure our growing city needs.
“The construction starting today shows we are getting on with what we promised to do at the election.”
“To make this road level with Commonwealth Avenue is one of the most significant changes to the road network in central Canberra since the 1960s,” said Minister for Transport Chris Steel.
“The transformation of London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue will create a better environment for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
“We are not only building the platform for light rail to turn from London Circuit onto Commonwealth Avenue, but removing barriers for cyclists and pedestrians moving through the southern part of the city.”
Work has now started to install temporary traffic lights and a new bus lane at the northern side of Vernon Circle.
This will support safe movements onto Constitution Avenue and London Circuit when London Circuit closes between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue later this year.
A new footpath and pedestrian signals on City Hill between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue are also being constructed in parallel to provide more options to walk around the city during and after construction.
Once the traffic lights have been installed, Canberrans will see more activity around London Circuit as crews start to build up the road on London Circuit between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue to create a new intersection level with Commonwealth Avenue.
In the media statement, the ACT Government advised that “as work increases in the coming months, Canberrans are encouraged to rethink their routine when travelling to the city, especially during the morning peak”.
“Whilst every effort is made to minimise disruption throughout construction, including maintaining traffic lanes where possible, there is no doubt this project will change how Canberrans travel in around the city.
“We will be asking the community to rethink their travel behaviour and consider when and how they travel into the city.
“Canberrans are also encouraged to sign up to receive regular email updates as construction continues so they are informed of the changed conditions and alternative travel options.
“The ACT Government will continue to communicate traffic and parking changes ahead of time throughout construction, using a range of accessible channels,” the statement advised.
According to the government, work to build the new City Hill footpath and to install traffic lights and a new bus lane at Vernon Circle is expected to take eight to 12 weeks.
Details on upcoming traffic and parking changes can be found at BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.
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