Major construction works will take place across Canberra’s city centre throughout January to connect the light rail Stage 2A extension to Commonwealth Park

Roads will be closed, traffic detoured, and light rail and bus services temporarily changed.

Construction has been scheduled during the school holidays to reduce disruption later in 2026.

From Sunday 4 January, construction will begin at the Alinga Street light rail stop and along Northbourne Avenue between Rudd Street/Bunda Street and Vernon Circle. Tracks will be installed later in the month. Works will also take place on Northbourne Avenue at Lyneham between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road, near Netball ACT.

Road closures and detours

Northbourne Avenue will be fully closed in both directions between Vernon Circle and Cooyong Street from 7am Sunday 4 January until 5am Monday 2 February. Local traffic will be permitted to access driveways.

The intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street, including pedestrian crossings and the Alinga Street light rail stop, will also be closed during this period. Pedestrians will need to use alternative crossings at Rudd Street/Bunda Street or London Circuit.

Further disruptions will occur in Lyneham, where Northbourne Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road from 12 to 23 January. Northbound lanes will be closed between Mouat Street and Swinden Street for parts of that period. Only southbound travel will be permitted.

Electronic message signs, traffic controllers and signage will be in place to guide motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Light rail and bus changes

Light rail services will not operate between Alinga Street and Sandford Street, Mitchell, from first service on Monday 12 January to last service on Friday 23 January.

Rail replacement buses will operate at normal light rail frequency or better between Alinga Street and Sandford Street, continuing on to Well Station Drive. Services will depart from platform 4 at the city bus interchange.

Light rail services north of Sandford Street, including Park and Ride facilities at EPIC, Well Station Drive and Swinden Street, will continue to operate.

Platforms 1, 2 and 3 at the city bus interchange will be closed from Monday 5 January to Sunday 1 February. Affected bus services will be temporarily relocated to other platforms on Mort Street.

An interim bus network will begin on Monday 2 February, coinciding with the return to school for Term 1.

Commuters should plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check for updates before travelling. Further information is available through Transport Canberra and the Built for CBR travel impacts website.

Additional traffic changes are expected from January as part of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project being delivered by the National Capital Authority.

Canberra Liberals

Canberra Liberals leader and shadow transport minister Mark Parton MLA said: “Canberrans face chaos as this Labor Government rolls out a poorly planned bus network during the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge closure.

“Morning peak travel could increase by 13 minutes, yet the Minister has only offered a vague promise to “revise the timetable” later. 

“The new night-time free travel trial is no substitute for real support for commuters, families, and local businesses who are paying more and getting less. Labor’s reactive approach leaves Canberrans struggling, with little certainty or meaningful concessions in sight.”