Truck movements will increase in the city, transport and city services minister Chris Steel warned, as the ACT Government continues its controversial light rail project.

A new side-track will be constructed over London Circuit so motorists can use Commonwealth Avenue while London Circuit is raised in preparation for Light Rail Stage 2A.

From Monday 15 May, trucks carrying fill will start arriving on site. Around 40 trucks are expected per day.

The trucks will use arterial roads between Barton and the city between 7am and 5pm on weekdays, and between 7am and 1pm on Saturdays.

“To ensure the safety of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, as well as construction crews and truck drivers, trucks will only use prescribed heavy haulage routes to minimise impacts to the broader road network; drivers will receive safety briefings; and vehicle management and temporary traffic plans are in place,” Mr Steel said.

Pedestrian detours are in place outside the site entrances on Constitution and Edinburgh Avenues, and a new boom gate will be in operation at Constitution Avenue.

“As large trucks start to arrive on site from next week and continue to increase throughout the project, this is a timely reminder for Canberrans to take extra care on the roads and be aware trucks have larger blind spots and require more time to stop, even at lower speeds,” Mr Steel said.

The trucks will bring fill material from another construction site in Barton to the raising London Circuit site. The fill material primarily consists of soil, rigorously tested for contaminated materials and to ensure it meets engineering requirements and EPA standards.

Around 60,000 cubic metres of material will be required to create a level intersection between Commonwealth Avenue and London Circuit.

“Raising of London Circuit by six metres to be level with Commonwealth Avenue will create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians, open up connections between the city and the lake, and enable the extension of light rail to Commonwealth Park,” Mr Steel said.

“This milestone is an important one for the project as it moves construction into the major earthworks stage with commencement of the side track build to enable the bridges over London Circuit to be demolished.

“When the side track is completed later on this year, traffic will be diverted to the new road so we can maintain two lanes of traffic on Commonwealth Avenue in each direction as we ramp up work to demolish the two overpass bridges over London Circuit.

“Building this new side track means we are getting on with delivering the biggest transport infrastructure project in our city’s history, whilst keeping our community moving and minimising disruption to Canberrans.”

For more information on upcoming traffic changes and alternative travel options, visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.