In an important milestone for Stage 2A of the planned Light Rail to Woden, the Federal Government has granted environmental approval for construction from Alinga Street in the city to the lakeside Commonwealth Park.
Minister for Transport, Chris Steel said that as part of Stage 2A, works to raise London Circuit were expected to commence by 2021-2022.
“Raising London Circuit is a crucial enabling project for light rail Stage 2A, and will improve the urban realm and pedestrian and cycling access between the CBD, City West, Acton and the Acton Waterfront,” Mr Steel said.
“The project will raise the London Circuit road level on either side of Commonwealth Avenue taking around two years to complete,” he said.
“It involves changing the current split-level, overpass-underpass configuration into a level intersection.”
Mr Steel said Light Rail to Woden would serve key employment, tourist and cultural institutions north and south of Lake Burley Griffin, before extending on to the Woden Town Centre.
“Whilst Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) approvals have been obtained for Stage 2A including Raising London Circuit, further planning approvals are required for the project from the National Capital Authority and the ACT Planning and Land Authority,” the Minister said.
“The EPBC approval process is also currently underway for the Stage 2B extension from Commonwealth Park to Woden and is expected to take up to 18 months,” he said.
