The trial for the man accused of raping Brittany Higgins inside Parliament House could be finished as early as next week.

Bruce Lehrmann is on trial after pleading not guilty to sexual intercourse without consent.

ACT Supreme Court Chief Justice Lucy McCallum informed the jury that the prosecution and defence expected to deliver their closing arguments next week.

The trial was initially anticipated to run for between four and six weeks but it could now be over in half that time. 

Crown prosecutor Shane Drumgold told the court the trial was travelling ahead of schedule and he expected to close his case early next week. 

Chief Justice McCallum also told the jury Ms Higgins was expected to return to court on Friday.

Ms Higgins alleges Lehrmann sexually assaulted her inside the office of then defence industry minister Linda Reynolds after a night spent drinking together with colleagues.

Lehrmann denies any sexual activity with Ms Higgins.

Ms Higgins has been unavailable to give evidence in court since Monday.

When Ms Higgins returns on Friday she is due to face continued cross-examination by Lehrmann’s defence lawyer Steven Whybrow.

The court has prevented publication of any evidence from other witnesses until after Ms Higgins has completed her evidence.

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