Eleanor Finch
Canberra is undergoing significant construction work as part of the light rail project, which will improve the city's vibrancy, sustainability, and connectivity. This has resulted in roadworks and disruptions on Constitution Avenue, a major thoroughfare in the city. The ACT Government has defended its decision to proceed with the roadworks, which aim to enhance pedestrian safety and access to City Hill, despite potential future disruption from the light rail track project. The $42 million upgrade, funded by the Federal Government as a centenary gift, includes the installation of traffic lights, pedestrian crossings, and improvements to nearby roads and intersections.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Upgrade to Constitution Avenue |
| Cost | $42 million |
| Funding | Commonwealth Government |
| Purpose | Centenary gift to Canberra |
| Scope | Between Anzac Parade and the City |
| Expected Outcome | Safer access to City Hill for pedestrians |
| Additional Benefits | Improved paths for walking and cycling |
| Related Projects | Light rail to Commonwealth Park |
| Related Works | London Circuit upgrade |
| Traffic Management | Temporary traffic lights on Vernon Circle |
| Bus Services | Increased journey times and reduced frequency |
| Travel Advice | Use public transport, walk, cycle, or e-scoot |
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What You'll Learn
Light rail construction
The roadworks on Constitution Avenue in Canberra are part of the construction of the light rail network. The ACT Government has defended its decision to push ahead with major roadworks in Canberra's CBD, despite the potential for further disruption when the light rail track project begins. The Federal Government gifted $42 million to upgrade Constitution Avenue between Anzac Parade and the City to mark the Territory's centenary.
The light rail project is a significant undertaking, with construction fences, traffic cones, and roadworks popping up around City Hill. The ACT Government has formed a multi-agency Disruption Taskforce to manage the impacts on motorists, as early analysis suggested that without intervention, construction would lead to congestion and delays. The taskforce aims to minimise disruption by working closely with the local community, businesses, and government representatives to implement effective interventions.
Stage 2 of the light rail project consists of two parts. Stage 2A will take the rail from its current terminus at the end of Northbourne Avenue to Commonwealth Park via London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. This involves raising London Circuit by six metres to intersect with Commonwealth Avenue, requiring significant amounts of fill and the removal of two existing cloverleaf-shaped ramps. Crews have been relocating telecommunication and utility lines around London Circuit, with this work due to finish in early December.
The construction of the light rail is expected to cause significant disruption, but once completed, the city will benefit from improved connectivity, vibrancy, and sustainability. The ACT Government has acknowledged the challenges and is committed to providing updates, monitoring activities, and making adjustments throughout the construction process.
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Traffic management
One of the major construction projects is the light rail to Commonwealth Park, which will have a significant impact on traffic. To accommodate this, the western side of London Circuit is closed to regular traffic, with some movement allowed from West Row through to Edinburgh Avenue. Sections of London Circuit East are also closed to motorists and on-road cyclists for the relocation of underground services. These closures are expected to last until 2026.
Temporary traffic lights have been installed on Vernon Circle to enable safe right turns onto Constitution Avenue and London Circuit for northbound vehicles. A new bus lane has also been introduced between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue to improve public transport.
To help motorists make informed decisions, three travel time roadside signs have been installed on Tuggeranong Parkway, Majura Parkway, and Belconnen Way, providing up-to-date information about journey times and potential disruptions.
The ACT Government is also encouraging the use of public transport, walking, cycling, or e-scooting as alternatives to driving. These options not only reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions but also contribute to building healthier habits for commuters.
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Pedestrian safety
Canberra is undergoing significant construction work as part of the light rail project, which will improve connectivity and vibrancy in the city. While this work is causing temporary disruptions, the ACT Government has established a multi-agency Disruption Taskforce to minimise the impact on the community. This includes improving paths to and from the city, making walking easier and safer for pedestrians.
One of the key focuses of the roadworks on Constitution Avenue in Canberra is enhancing pedestrian safety and access to City Hill. The ACT Government has allocated $2.8 million to complete the roadworks, which includes installing traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing on Vernon Circle. This will provide safer and more convenient access to City Hill, a beautiful park in the city.
The original plan for the upgrade involved waiting for additional funding, but the ACT Government was able to find savings in other capital projects to expedite the process. Ben McHugh from Roads ACT emphasised that the design of Constitution Avenue has accounted for the future light rail to limit redundant works. Despite the challenges of coordinating various construction projects, the priority is to ensure the safety and accessibility of pedestrian pathways during this transitionary period.
The ACT Government is committed to keeping the community informed about upcoming work and making adjustments as needed. They encourage commuters to consider alternative modes of transportation, such as public transport, walking, cycling, or e-scooting, which can help reduce carbon emissions and provide health benefits. These temporary disruptions will ultimately lead to a more sustainable and connected city.
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Bus services
To minimise the impact on commuters, the government has implemented several measures. These include installing intelligent transport monitoring technology at key locations across central Canberra, such as intersection cameras and Bluetooth sensors. This system provides motorists with real-time information about journey times and potential disruptions.
Additionally, there are now 22 Park and Ride locations across the ACT, where commuters can park their cars for free and then use public transport for the remainder of their journey. Improved signage has been put in place at these locations to assist commuters.
The government has also encouraged commuters to consider alternative modes of transportation, such as walking, cycling, or using e-scooters, particularly during non-peak hours. These options not only reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions but also promote healthy habits.
For those who rely on bus services to get to Constitution Avenue in Canberra, there are several nearby bus stops and light rail stations. The closest bus stops are on London Circuit, a 3-minute walk from Constitution Avenue, and MacArthur Avenue, a 6-minute walk away. The first bus arrives at Constitution Avenue at 7:09 am, and the last one departs at 9:50 pm.
The light rail station at MacArthur Avenue is also a nearby option for commuters. The first light rail arrives at 7:00 am, and the last one departs at 11:36 pm.
It is worth noting that temporary bus stop closures on Constitution Avenue may occur due to construction. For example, there was a planned closure from 8:00 pm on Friday, July 11, until 6:00 am on Monday, July 14, 2025. Commuters are advised to stay updated with the latest information regarding bus services and any potential disruptions.
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Canberra's CBD
One of the major roads affected by the roadworks is Constitution Avenue, a prominent thoroughfare in Canberra's CBD. The $42 million upgrade to Constitution Avenue, funded by the Federal Government as a centenary gift, aims to improve pedestrian access to City Hill. This includes the installation of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing on Vernon Circle, providing safer and more accessible routes to the park.
However, the roadworks have caused concerns due to potential disruptions and delays. The Opposition transport spokesman, Alastair Coe, questioned the timing and management of the roadworks, anticipating prolonged road closures during the construction of the light rail tracks. Ben McHugh from Roads ACT defended the decision, stating that the design of Constitution Avenue considers future light rail plans to minimise redundant works.
The light rail construction will impact several roads in Canberra's CBD, including Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit, Vernon Circle, and Commonwealth Avenue. London Circuit, in particular, will be closed to regular traffic for an extended period to facilitate the relocation of underground services and streetscape improvements. The western side of London Circuit is currently closed, with sections of the eastern side between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane also inaccessible to motorists and on-road cyclists.
To mitigate travel disruptions, temporary traffic lights have been installed on Vernon Circle to enable safe right turns onto Constitution Avenue and London Circuit for northbound vehicles. Intelligent transport monitoring technology, intersection cameras, and Bluetooth sensors have been strategically placed to provide real-time traffic insights and help motorists plan their journeys. Bus services are also being prioritised, with a new bus lane between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue enhancing public transport connectivity.
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Frequently asked questions
The roadworks on Constitution Avenue in Canberra are part of an upgrade to the avenue. The upgrade is a centenary gift from the Federal Government, which provided $42 million in funding. The work will improve pedestrian access to City Hill, with the installation of traffic lights and a pedestrian crossing on Vernon Circle.
Yes, the roadworks have caused disruption to traffic, with reports of extended delays. The ACT Government has defended the decision to go ahead with the roadworks, despite conceding that there may be further disruption when the light rail track project begins.
Construction on the light rail project is due to begin in 2016. The ACT Government has formed a multi-agency Disruption Taskforce to manage the impacts on motorists during this time.
Yes, the western side of London Circuit is closed to regular traffic for the duration of the construction. Sections of London Circuit East between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane are also closed to motorists and on-road cyclists.
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