Traffic delays ahead. Photo: National Capital Authority (NCA).
More traffic pain is coming to users of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.
The National Capital Authority (NCA) has confirmed the entire northbound span of the 310-metre bridge will close to all traffic – including pedestrians and cyclists – from Wednesday, 7 January 2026 (weather permitting).
For now, only one lane on each side is closed to allow for “preliminary” works on a multi-stage project designed to strengthen the aging structure and widen the shared paths.
It’s the most significant overhaul of the bridge since it opened in 1963, when it was carrying far less – and less heavy – traffic.
So far, crews have already removed the two rows of flagpoles along Commonwealth Avenue and are building temporary crossover lanes at both ends of the bridge. These tasks remain on track to finish before the end of the year.
But from 7 January, all movement across the lake will be funnelled onto the southbound span, which will temporarily carry traffic in both directions.
Northbound drivers heading toward the city will merge into a single lane near Albert Hall before being diverted to the opposite span via newly built “crossover lanes”. They’ll travel beside a dedicated bus and emergency-services priority lane, although that lane won’t be open to general traffic.
Southbound motorists heading towards Parliament House will also merge into a single lane after Albert Street and continue across the bridge as usual.
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge closures. Image: NCA.
Flynn Drive access will change, too. The on-ramp to northbound Commonwealth Avenue will close to general traffic, with drivers detoured via Coronation Drive instead.
Pedestrians and cyclists will also be affected as the northbound shared path will close entirely. But you’ll still be able to complete the bridge-to-bridge loop – you’ll just be redirected to the path on the southbound side.
A map of the new arrangements is available from the NCA, and Transport Canberra will publish updated public transport information closer to the closure.
The NCA concedes the bridge works come at a time when Canberra is already juggling a heavy load of roadworks.
“We recognise these works create significant disruption,” the authority says, adding it will work closely with the ACT Government to monitor traffic impacts and coordinate messaging.
Map of Commonwealth Avenue closures. Photo: NCA.
Canberrans are being encouraged to rethink their commute, whether by shifting travel times, choosing alternative routes or switching to public transport.
The disruption won’t be over quickly. The northbound span will remain closed throughout 2026 and into 2027 as part of Stage 1.
Stage 2, which will close the southbound span, is then scheduled for 2027.
Major construction is expected to finish in early 2028, with landscaping and final touches to follow later that year.
The NCA says it is “committed to providing updates to the community throughout the construction period as soon as information is available”.
Residents can sign up for email alerts or follow the authority on social media to stay up to date with the latest changes.
