Commonwealth Avenue closures to cause major traffic disruptions in lead up to Christmas

Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to traffic in the northbound direction this weekend (6 to 9 December) and then shut to vehicles in the southbound direction the following weekend (13 to 16 December).

The ACT Government advises families attending Carols by Candlelight (on Saturday, 7 December, at Stage 88, Commonwealth Park) to consider taking public transport.

There will also be further disruptions for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians in this area in the days leading up to Christmas.

The road works are caused by the ACT Government’s raising London Circuit project, which will connect the city to the lake by creating a new intersection at Commonwealth Avenue, building additional walking and cycling paths and enabling the light rail network to expand to Woden.

Here are the traffic disruptions and changes in the weeks ahead.

Northbound Commonwealth Avenue closure from 6 to 9 December

Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to traffic in the northbound direction from 8 pm, Friday, 6 December, to 6 am, Monday, 9 December, between State Circle and Parkes Way, with only local traffic allowed for access to the National Triangle and fully closed between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle.

Commonwealth Avenue will remain open southbound during the works.

Traffic heading north will be detoured from Adelaide Avenue onto State Circle. The ramp from State Circle onto Commonwealth Avenue northbound will also be closed to all traffic.

Motorists will be directed to use Kings Avenue Bridge to cross the lake in the northbound direction, using Anzac Parade or Coranderrk Street to access the City and Northbourne Avenue. Arrangements will be in place to facilitate traffic coming onto Parkes Way from Kings Avenue Bridge.

People who are walking or cycling will need to use the shared path along Commonwealth Avenue southbound in both directions across Parkes Way and London Circuit.

Only buses and local traffic for hotels and nearby buildings will have access to Commonwealth Avenue northbound during this time. Traffic controllers will be in place to direct buses and motorists.

The ACT Government says, “People attending Carols by Candlelight at Stage 88 are encouraged to rethink their routine and utilise public transport options”.

Parking will be available south of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, around the National Institutions, while a small amount of parking will be available at Acton Waterfront.

Parking options are also available in the city “before a short walk to Commonwealth Park”.

Southbound Commonwealth Avenue closure from 13 to 16 December

Commonwealth Avenue will be closed to traffic in the southbound direction between London Circuit and Parkes Way from 8 pm, Friday, 13 December, to 6 am, Monday, 16 December 2024. Commonwealth Avenue will remain open in the northbound direction.

Motorists will be directed to use one of several southbound detour options:

• Turning left onto Wakefield Avenue from Northbourne Avenue, right onto Limestone Avenue, down to Anzac Parade, then turning left or right onto Parkes Way.
• Turning left onto Cooyong Street from Northbourne Avenue, then using Coranderrk Street to turn left or right onto Parkes Way.
• Turning right onto Barry Drive, left onto Marcus Clarke Street, right onto Edinburgh Avenue and left onto Parkes Way.

People who are walking and cycling will need to use the shared path along Commonwealth Avenue northbound in both directions across Parkes Way and London Circuit. Traffic controllers will be in place.

Only buses and local traffic heading into the City from South Canberra will be able to use Vernon Circle to access Constitution Avenue during the works.

Further lanes closures on Commonwealth Avenue 16 to 19 December

Further lane closures will be in place on Commonwealth Avenue between 6 pm and 6 am, Monday, 16 December to Thursday, 19 December (nights only), to facilitate works on the Raising London Circuit project.

Following these works, traffic will be returned to the permanent Commonwealth Avenue alignment and the side tracks will then be decommissioned to complete the intersection.

Traffic changes and night works: Commonwealth Avenue

A new temporary road has been constructed along the eastern side of Commonwealth Avenue across Parkes Way.

Traffic heading south on Commonwealth Avenue towards the lake will now be diverted onto this new side track.

This temporary road is in addition to the road for traffic heading north on Commonwealth Avenue.

These temporary roads keep two lanes of traffic in each direction during peak hours.

There are also plans in place to remove the northbound Commonwealth Avenue bridge over London Circuit.

For those who walk, run or ride their bike, there is a walking and cycling path on each temporary side track.

The ACT Government advises drivers to follow all road signs and slow down when driving on Commonwealth Avenue between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle.

Pedestrian crossing change: Vernon Circle

One of the pedestrian crossings at the Vernon Circle/Constitution Avenue intersection is temporarily closed. The other will remain open.

This change is aimed at improving the flow of traffic turning left onto Vernon Circle from Constitution Avenue.

Carpark closure: John Gorton Campus east carpark

The John Gorton Campus east carpark, accessed off Dorothy Tangney Place in Parkes, is closed.

This is to allow works to start on the construction of the new John Gorton Campus multi-storey carpark.

Find out more about the John Gorton Campus carpark closure on the Australian Government Department of Finance website.

Additional truck movements: Coranderrk Street, Constitution Avenue and London Circuit

The raising London Circuit project will also result in the construction of a temporary road to the west of Commonwealth Avenue.

This will lead to an increase in truck movements on Coranderrk Street, Constitution Avenue and London Circuit, and surrounding main roads leading to the city.

Be especially mindful when walking, cycling or driving near the work site entrances at the intersection of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue, and London Circuit and Edinburgh Avenue.

Road closure: London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue

London Circuit between Edinburgh Avenue and Constitution Avenue will be closed until early 2025 for the duration of the project.

Road closure: Ramps from Commonwealth Avenue to Parkes Way and London Circuit.

Both cloverleaf ramps from Commonwealth Avenue to Parkes Way and London Circuit are now permanently closed.

Detours are in place to maintain access to the east and west of the city and Parkes Way.

The ACT Government encourages you to rethink your travel routine and consider how and when you travel in and around the city.

Accessible car parking changes: City Hill

Accessible parking on the corner of Constitution Avenue and London Circuit has moved to face Constitution Avenue.

The original car spaces will be closed for construction use, and this change will be in effect until the end of 2024.