FROM mid-August, northbound traffic on Commonwealth Avenue will be diverted to a temporary road to its west as London Circuit is raised six metres to accommodate light rail.

The government says this will allow for the removal of the southbound bridge on Commonwealth Avenue over London Circuit.

It is expected that from around mid-August, drivers heading north on Commonwealth Avenue towards the City will be diverted on to this temporary, two-lane road across London Circuit.

Traffic heading south, away from Civic, will be diverted to the current northbound Commonwealth Avenue bridge over London Circuit.

The government says that once the southbound bridge is removed, fill will be added to build up the eastern side of London Circuit. New permanent southbound lanes will be built on the raised section and another side track will be built on the eastern side.

Late this year, or early next year, northbound traffic will be diverted to the new southbound lanes and southbound traffic on to the new temporary road. This then allows for the removal of the northbound bridge over London Circuit.

To facilitate the opening of the side track, a full closure of Commonwealth Avenue between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle is expected to be in place from 6pm Sunday to 6am Monday – the day before the traffic switch starts operations.

Detours will be in place via Parkes Way to access the city, or alternatively Canberrans travelling from South Canberra can use Kings Avenue Bridge.