Accelerated construction to connect the light rail network to the extension to Commonwealth Park is happening throughout January, just as the NCA starts its disruptive two-year refurbishment of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

The ACT government says the light rail work will also include new traffic signals, street lighting and retaining walls, paving, asphalting and landscaping to prepare for light rail to run wire-free zone through the city.

“These works have been scheduled during the quieter school holiday period to enable substantial construction to take place – preventing additional closures in 2026,” the government says.

From January 4, work will commence at the Alinga Street light rail stop and along Northbourne Avenue between Rudd Street/Bunda Street and Vernon Circle intersection to prepare for track installation later in the month.

Works will also be taking place on Northbourne Avenue at Lyneham, between Mouat Street and Thurbon Road – adjacent to Netball ACT.

The government says temporary closures and traffic detours will be in place throughout January.

From 7am Sunday, January 4 to 5am Monday, February 2:

• 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 under traffic control.
• 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 7am Monday, January 12 to 6pm Friday, January 23:

• 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 Street and Swinden Street from 8pm Friday, January 16 and 6am Monday, January 19. Southbound travel only will be permitted during this period.

Light rail service changes

There will be no light rail services operating between Alinga Street and Sandford Street, Mitchell, from first service on Monday January 12 to last service on Friday, January 23 to allow the existing light rail network to be connected to the Stage 2A extension to Commonwealth Park.

During this time, rail replacement buses will run at the normal light rail frequency, or better, between Alinga Street and Sandford Street and continue on to Well Station Drive.

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.

Localised noise, dust and vibration may occur during this works, and environmental controls will be in place to minimise these impacts accordingly.

Detours, signage and wayfinding at the city bus interchange and impacted light rail stops will be in place to support passengers.

City bus interchange platform changes

Platforms 1, 2 and 3 at the city bus interchange will be closed from Monday, January 5 to Sunday, February 1 to allow important works to be completed at the intersection of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue.

During this time, bus services which normally depart from these platforms will be temporarily moved to other interchange platforms on Mort Street.

Rail replacement buses will operate from platform 4 and bus services which normally depart from this platform will temporarily be moved to other interchange platforms on 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.

Passengers are also reminded an interim bus network will commence from first service Monday, February 2, aligning with all students returning to school for Term 1.