Construction has begun on a new signalised pedestrian crossing on Canberra Avenue, in a move the ACT Government says will improve safety for students crossing the busy arterial road near nearby schools.
The crossing comes after serious concern about pedestrian safety in the corridor, particularly following a crash on March 28, 2025 when two schoolboys were struck while crossing Canberra Avenue near St Edmund’s College. The boys, students from the school precinct shared with nearby St Clare’s College Canberra, were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the stolen Holden Commodore station wagon, who was subject to interstate parole and bail conditions, was convicted of unlicensed driving, driving a motor vehicle without consent, dangerous driving, and two charges of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm.
In response to public concern, the ACT Government is constructing a controlled pedestrian crossing designed to channel foot traffic to a single, signalised location. The works include removing older informal paths at McMillian Crescent and Burke Crescent, as well as installing additional kerbing to discourage unsafe parking in the median strip.
During construction, temporary lane closures and traffic adjustments will be in place along Canberra Avenue, though east-west access will be maintained. Authorities have urged drivers to slow down near the works and expect delays as the project progresses.
The new crossing is expected to be operational by early August, with full completion of surrounding works scheduled for September, weather permitting.
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