Traffic upheaval on way as date set for London Circuit closure

The flagged disruptions for Canberra road users at the southern end of the city will soon become a reality, with main works set to start on raising London Circuit, a key step in the extension of light rail first to Commonwealth Park and then on to Woden.

The ACT Government has announced the closure from 2 December of London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue, including the permanent closure of the two western cloverleaf ramps leading into the city.

It will be the most significant change to the road network in central Canberra since the 1960s.

Canberrans will need to follow a number of diversions to get to City West, City East and Parkes Way.

The Government is also urging them to “rethink their routine” including adjusting travel times to avoid the morning and afternoon peaks and taking the bus to help ease the traffic pain during what is expected to be a two-year construction period.

The closure of London Circuit will also coincide with reasealing works on Parkes Way on 2, 3 and 5 December, making life even more difficult for commuters from the south.

“These closures are a significant change to our road network. Canberrans are encouraged to reconsider how and when they travel in and around the city,” said Transport Minister Chris Steel.

“Traffic mitigation measures will ensure Canberrans and visitors can still access the city, visit their favourite shops and cafes or receive the local services they need. We just ask everyone to plan their trip and be patient while changes take place.”

New traffic lights and a bus lane on Vernon Circle will manage traffic flow during construction, with buses to use Vernon Circle to access the city interchange from Friday 2 December.

Work is also continuing to extend the footpath near City Hill to make it safer for pedestrians.

Detours will be in place to maintain access to Constitution Avenue, City East and West and Parkes Way eastbound from Commonwealth Avenue during the works.

South Canberra motorists can access City West:

• Using Vernon Circle and Northbourne Avenue turning west onto London Circuit
• Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Edinburgh Avenue
• Using Parkes Way eastbound and using the exit onto Edinburgh Avenue
• Using Parkes Way westbound, then using the Lawson Crescent exit to turn right onto Edinburgh Ave.

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South Canberra motorists can access City East:

• Using Vernon Circle and Northbourne Avenue turning east onto London Circuit
• Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Constitution Avenue
• Using Parkes Way Eastbound to turn into either Coranderrk Street or Allara Street to get onto Constitution Avenue
• Accessing the area via Kings Avenue Bridge, Parkes Way and the Coranderrk Street roundabout.

South Canberra motorists can access Parkes Way eastbound by:

• Using Vernon Circle to turn onto Edinburgh Avenue, then exiting Edinburgh Avenue onto Parkes Way eastbound
• Using Vernon Circle North, then Constitution Avenue, then Coranderrk Street to join Parkes Way eastbound
• Exiting Parkes Way westbound from Commonwealth Avenue, then using the Lawson Crescent exit to turn right and head back to Parkes Way eastbound
• Using Kings Avenue Bridge instead of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

The Government says that as well as being a requisite for extending light rail eventually to Woden, raising London Circuit to connect with Commonwealth Avenue will also create a safer environment for cyclists and pedestrians and revitalise the southern part of Canberra’s CBD, including the Canberra Theatre Precinct and connections to the Acton Waterfront.

The project will create a level intersection with Commonwealth Avenue to enable light rail’s right-hand turn from London Circuit towards the lake.

To learn more visit BuiltforCBR.act.gov.au/travel-impacts.