The Government has declared that its preferred route for Stage Two of the city’s light rail service to run from the city to Woden is via Parkes and Barton.
Minister for Transport and City Services, Meegan Fitzharris announced the decision, saying planning and design for the second stage of the network was well under way.
“The Government is currently working through the Commonwealth’s approval processes for the project to provide more detail,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“Light rail Stage Two has been going through a rigorous planning process that involves negotiation with the National Capital Authority [NCA] and Federal Parliament due to the heritage and national importance of the Parliamentary Triangle.”
She said it was important the Government worked closely with the NCA to ensure the project complemented the wider Parliamentary Triangle.
“What’s clear is that the ACT Government is committed to building a light rail network for Canberra and extending light rail to Woden,” Ms Fitzharris said.
“We will continue to work with relevant stakeholders on the details of the route through the Parliamentary Triangle.”
The Minister said it would not be appropriate for the ACT Government to finalise the business case for the project until the Commonwealth’s requirements are further worked through.
Ms Fitzharris said with a majority of people in the ACT supporting Stage Two from Civic to Woden, she was confident this route was what the community wanted to see.
“This route provides the best access through the Parliamentary zone to employment hubs, cultural institutions and other places of interest such as Manuka Oval,” she said.
“There is no question that the City to Woden stage will be the most difficult section of a city-wide network to design and build due to the location of the route, its heritage and national significance.”
