Construction has finished on the new Woden public transport interchange, which the ACT Government called the biggest investment in Woden in 50 years.
Once operational on 20 April, more than 10,000 Canberrans will use the transport hub — an on-street bus and light-rail ready interchange — on Callam Street each day, as Woden Valley’s population grows over the next 30 years.
The new Woden interchange will receive Rapid bus services from Tuggeranong and Belconnen via the City Interchange and Civic, and local services operating across the Woden Valley, Weston Creek, Molonglo, and Tuggeranong.
The temporary interchange on the Matilda Street carpark will remain in place while services transition to the new facility. It will then be decommissioned to make way for the Hellenic Club’s ‘Woden Village’ development.
No bus times will be changed. However, passengers should get to know the new platform layout, which can be seen on Transport Canberra’s website.
The 50-year-old interchange — thought unsafe and too dark— was demolished to make way for the Woden CIT Woden Campus, an east-west pedestrian boulevard, and the interchange. The new interchange has better solar access, lighting, public toilets, and drinking fountains.
New trees and landscaping will make the town centre greener and more welcoming. There are also better cycling and pedestrian paths, and secure storage for bikes and e-scooters.
Transport minister Chris Steel MLA called the completion of the new Woden Interchange “a major milestone in the transformation of Woden Town Centre, better connecting the community to jobs, education, and housing”.
“This project isn’t just a massive improvement to Woden’s main street, with a safe, light rail-ready interchange – it’s part of the largest investment in Woden in over 50 years.
“The Government is serious about investing in Woden. With the new CIT Campus, electric bus depot and new interchange complete, the Government will now focus on the delivery of a new community centre and outdoor pool in addition to light rail, to make sure that this growing part of Canberra has the infrastructure it needs.”
Local independent MLA Fiona Carrickwelcomed the completion of the new Woden bus interchange after a very long period of construction.
“The new secure cages for bicycles and scooters will make it easier for people to choose active travel options to get to and from Woden and the new public toilets are of course welcome.”
However, she noted concerns that weather protection on the new platforms would not be up to scratch. “We’ll need to see what that’s like once it’s open.”
Ms Carrick has sponsored a community petition to stop the government opening the road through the CIT West Plaza to general traffic.
“The CIT West Plaza is a new public space in the core of Woden which has been designed as a destination, a place where people naturally gather, spend time, and connect with one another.
“It is intended to host markets, events, and social activities that strengthen local identity, belonging, and community life. Allowing traffic to move through, and park in this space will seriously degrade its value, and is equivalent to allowing cars to drive through Garema Place.”
