On Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 March, there will be no light rail services operating between EPIC & Racecourse and Gungahlin Place stops and buses will run in their place.
The partial light rail network shutdown is occurring as construction work continues for the new $12 million Sandford Street light rail stop in Mitchell. This stop will service the businesses of Mitchell and the future suburb of Kenny.
According to CMET (Canberra Metro), here’s a rundown of what people travelling in the area need to know:
What public transport is in use?
There will be rail replacement bus services for all bus stops between Dickson Interchange and Gungahlin Place. They can be accessed adjacent to the light rail stops between Dickson Interchange and Gungahlin Place.
However, due to road closures in the area, rail replacement buses will not service the EPIC & Racecourse bus stop during the shutdown. Passengers are encouraged to transfer at Dickson Interchange where possible.
Light rail services will continue to run between Alinga Street and EPIC & Racecourse stops during the shutdown.
Where will rail replacement buses run?
Buses will depart from Platform 3 at Gungahlin Place and Platform 2 at Dickson Bus Interchange.
All services will be provided by Qcity and buses will be running every six to eight minutes (during peak travel times).
Do travellers need to tap on?
Travellers will not be required to tap on and off when entering and exiting Qcity rail replacement bus services.
Light rail services will continue to operate to the normal frequency between EPIC & Racecourse and Alinga Street for the duration of these works. If you choose to use this service, you will be required to tap on and off.
Is EPIC Park & Ride accessible?
The EPIC Park & ride will remain open during Saturday 13 March and Sunday 14 March. Passengers can transfer from here onto light rail services travelling to the city.
How will this affect the EPIC COVID-19 drive-through testing facility?
The drive-through COVID-19 testing facility at EPIC will remain open during this period. Motorists can access EPIC Gate 2 on Flemington Road via Federal Highway or Randwick Road, and should follow detours for travel from Gungahlin.
How will this affect drivers?
Motorists need to note speed limits will be reduced to 40km/h while the works occur.
Flemington Road between Randwick Road and Sandford Street will be closed to cars as well.
A road detour will be in place to redirect motorists via Well Station Drive/Morisset Road and Randwick Road.
Does this affect cyclists and pedestrians?
In short, no.
All pedestrian access will be maintained, noting that the signalised pedestrian crossing located at the southern end of the Flemington Road and Sandford Street/Morisset Road intersection will be detoured to the northern signalised pedestrian crossing.
Cyclists should note Flemington Road, between Randwick Road and Sandford Street, will be closed for the duration of the works.
What about the Rise Above Cancer Convoy?
The annual Rise Above Cancer Convoy will run on Sunday 14 March and will conclude at EPIC. Heavy traffic in the area is anticipated and may cause extended delays to rail replacement bus services. Allow additional travel time on Sunday if you plan to head into the area.
There will be additional wayfinding signage and CMET Customer Service Officers on the light rail network to assist customers.
For more information, including maps and passenger information, call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 or visit www.transport.act.gov.au
