As work gathers momentum on Stage 2 of light rail to Woden, Canberra’s largest infrastructure project, the ACT Government is seeking feedback from the public and from local businesses about how to minimise the disruption.
“We need a big program of engagement so that businesses and local residents can help shape how we deliver it,” said Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport and City Services.
Construction works for stage 2A of the light rail from Civic to Commonwealth Park will cause more than four years of traffic congestion; Commonwealth Avenue will be almost undriveable; and peak hour on major arterial roads will increase by more than half, making commuting 15 minutes longer, Mr Steel said in July.
“We’re being upfront with city-based businesses and the broader Canberra community that the construction of light rail to Woden will be disruptive, so we’re making sure we communicate early and often about what’s happening before construction starts next year,” Mr Steel said today.
This week, Mr Steel and the government are holding two roundtables for local businesses in the construction zone affected by raising London Circuit. The first was held yesterday, Sunday, 14 November, and the second will be held tomorrow, Tuesday, 16 November.
Through the roundtables, the government’s light rail project delivery team and Disruption Taskforce will seek feedback from the businesses about how construction scheduling, sequencing, and works delivery might affect them.
The sessions will also explore lessons from construction of Stage 1 and other Australian major infrastructure projects, to identify practical initiatives to support businesses.
“We understand the COVID-19 pandemic has been a difficult time for businesses across Canberra,” Mr Steel said. “We want to partner with those in the construction zone to provide the right information and support as we start work on this project that will benefit our city for generations to come.”
The ACT Government has also launched a survey for the broader Canberra community to understand how disruption to the traffic network will change how they travel. It asks people how, why, and how often they travel to the city, and how the government can minimise impacts during the construction period.
The survey can be accessed at transport.act.gov.au and act.gov.au/lightrailtowoden.
“During the construction of light rail to Woden, there will be impacts to the road network, public transport routes, and active travel connections both in and out of the city,” Mr Steel said. “This will affect commuters in different ways, particularly those on Canberra’s southside.
“In preparation of the disruption we will ask Canberrans to re-think their routes and re-think their routines for commuting. Feedback from the survey will help identify opportunities to support people to make those different travel choices.
“By working closely with local businesses and the Canberra community as we build light rail to Woden, we aim to minimise the disruption where we can, while ensuring everyone shares in the benefits of a more vibrant, connected, and sustainable city.”
