The first sections of track for Light Rail Stage 2A (Civic to Commonwealth Park) have been laid, connecting the current network with the 1.7‑kilometre extension.
“The laying of tracks is a significant milestone for the project, which remains on schedule to deliver operational light rail services to Commonwealth Park in 2028,” transport minister Chris Steel MLA said. “By improving public transport from the city to the lake the project will provide better access to homes, workplaces, businesses, health services, education and recreation opportunities.”
While the Public Transport Association of Canberra also considers this marks a major milestone, the opposition and business leaders are concerned about the project’s impact.
This week, construction crews installed new track at the Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue intersection, bringing what Mr Steel called a “month-long construction blitz” almost to completion. Utilities have been upgraded, and Northbourne Avenue works have reached their final stages.
Next, crews will install “green track” — turf, groundcover and succulent plants — across London Circuit West and Commonwealth Avenue; this is expected to make the track blend into the landscape; reduce glare, noise, and dust; and absorb rainwater.
Light rail stops will be constructed at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park, which the government says will give passengers better access to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin. The first passenger services to the new city stops are planned for 2028.
Light rail services between Alinga Street and Sandford Street will return to normal from first service this Saturday. Temporary platform arrangements and the city bus interchange will remain in place until Sunday 1 February.
“While we acknowledge the disruption caused by the recent construction blitz, the return of normal light rail services tomorrow is a welcome step forward for passengers,” Amy Jelacic, chair of the Public Transport Association of Canberra, said.
“As we transition to the updated bus network on 2 February, we encourage the ACT Government to closely monitor real-world scheduling impacts to ensure reliability for all public transport users.”
The project costs $577 million, and is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments.
The ACT Government said Stage 2A was part of the biggest transformation of the city centre since self-government, modernising Civic and making Canberra a more connected, liveable city for decades to come.
“Extending light rail is a key part of this plan, along with the new lyric theatre, the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the UNSW Canberra city campus,” Mr Barr said. “These are once in a generation investments that will make our city centre more accessible and create jobs and economic activity.”
However, Canberra Liberals Leader Mark Parton MLA, a staunch critic of light rail, said Labor’s announcement demonstrated their “poor planning and growing disruption in the city centre”.
“Local businesses are losing customers due to reduced parking, confusing detours and prolonged construction, while access to essential services has become harder for workers, older Canberrans, and people with disabilities,” Mr Parton said.
“Infrastructure matters, but so does delivery. Canberrans deserve better coordination, clear timelines and real support for businesses bearing the cost of this mismanaged project under this ACT Labor Government.”
Canberra Business Chamber CEO Greg Harford said the extension would ultimately “add significant amenity to the city when completed”, but was concerned “the short-term disruption is having a real impact on business”.
The Chamber has called for financial support for businesses seriously affected by a drop-off in customers.
Independent MLA Thomas Emerson has repeatedly called for means-tested rates relief for small businesses affected by the huge amount of construction happening in the city.
“Those calls need to be answered if we want to see a thriving CBD on the other side of this project,” Mr Emerson said. “Most people understand the disruptions, but expect the Government to be proactive in mitigating the impacts as much as possible. Unfortunately, the small business owners I’m hearing from feel that they’ve instead been hung out to dry.”
Mr Harford encouraged Canberrans to support local businesses throughout the construction period: “The city centre remains open for business, and there is still carparking available.”
Mr Steel acknowledged that construction works were disruptive, and thanked the community for its patience during the construction blitz and for using bus replacement services. The government will update the public about further construction work on Northbourne Avenue.
