The ACT Government has confirmed the State Circle East alignment for Light Rail Stage 2B, which will extend services from Commonwealth Park to Woden.

It made no reference to cost in its announcement.

It says the decision follows consultation with the community and Commonwealth stakeholders as part of the project’s draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The process assessed both the preferred State Circle East route through the National Triangle and an alternative National Triangle-Barton alignment.

After considering design, environmental and social impacts, and public feedback, the government has endorsed the State Circle East option as the best pathway forward.

The extension will run from Commonwealth Avenue through the National Triangle, along the eastern side of State Circle to Adelaide Avenue, and then to Woden. Nine new stops will be added.

According to the government, the selected alignment offers a more direct and efficient connection between the city and Woden and aligns with the National Capital Plan, supporting a clearer approvals process.

Community engagement formed a key part of the decision-making process. More than 230 submissions were received during public exhibition between July and September 2025, alongside around 250 attendees at in-person sessions and more than 10,000 visits to the online EIS platform.

Feedback has led to refinements in the design, including an “inner running” section on State Circle between Sydney Avenue and Adelaide Avenue aimed at reducing impacts on traffic, residents and businesses.

The government has also revised plans for a traction power substation, relocating it from a previously proposed site in Yarralumla to Denison Street in Deakin following community concerns.

The final EIS will be lodged with the Australian Government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and the Territory Planning Authority next month. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel said: “Light Rail Stage 2B is one of the most complex infrastructure projects ever planned in the Territory but is necessary to connect the north and south of our growing city with mass transit.”

He said the chosen alignment provides the most direct route to Woden while maintaining access to employment hubs in Parkes and Barton.