Construction on Canberra's Light Rail Stage 2A to begin next month

Major construction on the next stage of Canberra’s light rail project is set to commence in February 2025. Meanwhile, preparatory works are currently being carried out including completion of earthworks, excavation and concrete works. 

The $575.3 million Light Rail Stage 2A is jointly funded by the Australian and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments. 

Stage 2A will extend the existing light rail network by 1.7 kilometres from Alinga Street in the City to Commonwealth Park. This section of the Light Rail to Woden development will also deliver three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park. 

The light rail fleet will be powered by renewable energy to enable a wire-free journey along the corridor and will also have accessibility features that will allow people of all abilities to use this mode of transport, including people in wheelchairs or those with prams. 

Active travellers will also benefit from the light rail’s accessibility as they can take their bicycles or scooters aboard – extending the reach of their commute. 

Landscape and aesthetic features are also included to transform London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. The features include: 

• A landscape that will preserve and strengthen the historic character of Commonwealth Avenue as a wide tree-lined boulevard. This includes proposed pin oak plantings in the Commonwealth Avenue median 

• Green track section on parts of Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. Green tracks help reduce glare, noise, and dust. It absorbs rainwater and helps the track blend into the surrounding landscape 

• Construction of a new bridge over Parkes Way for light rail. It will lay in between the two Commonwealth Avenue bridges 

• A discreet wire-free track to maintain Canberra’s iconic landmarks and views 

Moreover, safety features have been incorporated in the project’s design. This includes: 

• Dedicated or separated paths for pedestrians and cyclists 

• Two new signalised intersections on London Circuit at West Row and University Avenue. They will provide safe and controlled pedestrian and cyclist crossings 

• In-ground pedestrian lights in key locations. They will alert and remind pedestrians to cross light rail tracks safely 

• Protected cycle ways on newly designed intersections. They will be London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, and London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue 

• A cobbed median on London Circuit West. It will help pedestrians and cyclists differentiate the light rail corridor from the roadway 

Once Stage 2A is completed, people will be able to board light rail services every 5 to 15 minutes on the extended route. 

Due to the scale of the project, multiple site compounds will be established to support construction and its hundreds of workers. These temporary facilities will be located near the construction site and they will support the daily operations to build the light rail project. 

The facilities will include site offices, storage for machinery, equipment, tools and materials as well as amenities for workers such as toilets, kitchens and break rooms. 

From February 2025, various works will take place including: 

• Installation of fencing around London Circuit West between Northbourne Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue 

• Construction teams removing existing street assets on London Circuit in readiness for construction. This includes bike racks, water fountains, park benches, light poles and public art 

• Some tree removal on London Circuit West and Commonwealth Avenue 

• Removal and relocation of utilities in the ground 

• Additional construction compounds set up on the corner of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue, and in the cloverleaf on the south side of Lake Burley Griffin between Flynn Drive and Commonwealth Avenue 

While construction is carried out, sections of London Circuit between Northbourne Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue will be closed to motorists and cyclists. Access to businesses on London Circuit, however, will be maintained and wayfinding signs will be available to assist customers. Access to Knowles Place north and Odgers Lane will also be maintained for motorists and cyclists. 

In addition, pedestrian and wheelchair access will be maintained along and across London Circuit as well as access to the city bus and light rail interchange. 

Light Rail Stage 2A is expected to be completed in 2027. 

The overall Light Rail to Woden project is anticipated to support up to 6,000 jobs over its life. 

Source: Built for CBR (1, 2); ACT Government – Light Rail to Woden (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine