The first tracks of Stage 1 of Canberra’s light rail network have been laid on Flemington Road, Franklin.
The milestone came as the ACT Government announced the closures of four Northbourne Avenue intersections from October to December.
The affected intersections Mouat Street/Antill Street, Barry Drive/Cooyong Street, Macarthur Avenue/Wakefield Avenue and Barton Highway/Northbourne Avenue.
The first closures will be at the Mouat Street and Antill Street intersections from 8 pm Friday 6 October until 4 am on Monday 9 October. Traffic will not be able to turn right into Mouat Street or Antill Street from Northbourne Avenue and traffic will not be able to cross Northbourne Avenue between Mouat Street and Antill Street.
The Netball ACT Car Park will close from Monday 9 October 2017 to January 2018 for permanent earthworks.
The Northbourne Avenue Yowani Country Club bus stop will be closed until December and a temporary bus stop has been planned for 200 metres south of the current stop on Northbourne Ave. To view bus stop closures and route diversions please visit http://www.transport.act.gov.au/service-updates
Transport Canberra said more information on closures at Barry Drive, Cooyong Street, Macarthur Avenue, Wakefield Avenue and the Barton Highway would be available soon.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris said that the laying of the track was a sign of the construction progress.
“Laying the first tracks is a very significant moment in any rail project,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Light Rail in Canberra offers an exciting opportunity to transform our city. It will deliver a truly integrated transport network that provides convenient, efficient, affordable and reliable options for Canberrans and visitors to move around the city.”
Work towards Stage 2 of the network, which will go to Woden in line with the Government’s 2016 election commitment, was also progressing well, with almost 5,000 Canberrans giving their input on preferred route options, alignment and stops in a recent consultation.
Transport Canberra and City Services said Canberra Metro would not carry out any major construction works on the Light Rail during the Christmas holiday period from 22 December 2017 to 2 January 2018.
For more information on Light Rail Stage 1 visit www.canberra-metro.com.au.
For up-to-date information on road closures call Canberra Metro on 1300 208 824, visit www.canberra-metro.com.au or follow Canberra Metro on social media.