Light rail stage 2A construction is ramping up even further in 2026. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
January sees light rail stage 2A works move into a higher gear as major public space improvements join the construction schedule.
The project — extending the current track to Commonwealth Park — includes new traffic signals, street lighting and retaining walls, paving, asphalting and landscaping, all to prepare light rail to run through the wire-free zone.
Work will start at the Alinga Street light rail stop and along Northbourne Avenue between the Rudd Street/Bunda Street and Vernon Circle intersection on 4 January.
This is to prepare for track installation later in the month.
Works will also take place in Northbourne Avenue at Lyneham, between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road, adjacent to Netball ACT.
“These works have been scheduled during the quieter school holiday period to enable substantial construction to take place — preventing additional closures in 2026,” an ACT Government statement said.
“The Light Rail Stage 2A project will extend light rail from Alinga Street to Commonwealth Park, creating a seamless link from Gungahlin to Commonwealth Park, and will bring the city closer to the lake and connect the southern part of the CBD and key education, employment and recreation destinations.”
Temporary closures and traffic detours will be in place throughout January to ensure works are carried out safely while commuters move around the city during this significant construction phase of the project.
These are separate from the closures on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, which have been made as part of the National Capital Authority’s works to strengthen the infrastructure.
Light rail stage 2A traffic impacts include:
From 7 am on Sunday, 4 January to 5 am on Monday, 2 February:
Northbourne Avenue will be fully closed to traffic in both directions between Vernon Circle and Cooyong Street, with the exception of local traffic, which will be permitted to access driveways.
The intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street will be fully closed, including the pedestrian crossings across Alinga Street and the Alinga Street light rail stop. Pedestrians will need to use the crossings at Rudd Street/Bunda Street (north) or London Circuit (south) during this time.
From 7 am on Monday, 12 January to 6 pm on Friday, 23 January:
Northbourne Avenue will be reduced to one lane in each direction between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road.
The northbound lanes of Northbourne Avenue will be closed between Mouat and Swinden streets from 8 pm on Friday, 16 January, to 6 am on Monday, 19 January. Only southbound travel will be permitted during this period.
There will also be impacts to public transport options (again, separate from the bus route changes already made to accommodate the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge works).
Light rail service changes:
There will be no light rail services operating between Alinga and Sandford streets, Mitchell, from first service on Monday, 12 January, to last service on Friday, 23 January.
This is to allow the existing light rail network to be connected to the stage 2A extension to Commonwealth Park.
Rail replacement buses will run at the normal light rail frequency (or better) between Alinga and Sandford streets, and continue on to Well Station Drive.
These will operate from platform 4 of the city bus interchange.
Light rail services will continue to operate north of Sandford Street, from the Well Station Drive to Gungahlin Place light rail stops. The park-and-ride facilities at EPIC, Well Station Drive and Swinden Street will also remain open.
Detours, signage and wayfinding at the city bus interchange and impacted light rail stops will be in place.
City bus interchange platform changes:
Platforms 1, 2 and 3 at the city bus interchange will be closed from Monday, 5 January, to Sunday, 1 February, to allow works to be completed at the intersection of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue.
Bus services that normally depart from these platforms will be temporarily moved to other interchange platforms in Mort Street.
Bus services will continue to run to the school bus holiday timetable and will depart from their normal stops outside of the city bus interchange.
An interim bus network will begin from first service Monday, 2 February, 2026, aligning with the start of the new school year.
“Commuters are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra time and visit Travel Impacts — Built for CBR for updates when travelling over the holiday period,” an ACT Government statement read.
Detailed information on public transport services, including changes to light rail services, rail replacement buses and the city bus interchange, can be found through Transport Canberra online or by calling 13 17 10.
Information on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project, and its impact on motorists, roads, foot/bike paths and the public transport network, can be found on the NCA website.
