The first major works for the delivery of light rail part 2A began in the city this week with construction on the London Circuit project beginning.
Welcoming the start of construction, Chief Minister Andrew Barr said connecting London Circuit to Commonwealth Avenue was a significant step forward for the city’s next light rail service.
Minister for Transport, Chris Steel said work to make the road level with Commonwealth Avenue was one of the most significant changes to the road network in central Canberra since the 1960s.
“Work has now started to install temporary traffic lights and a new bus lane at the northern side of Vernon Circle,” Mr Steel said.
“This will support safe movements onto Constitution Avenue and London Circuit when London Circuit closes between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue later this year,” he said.
“A new footpath and pedestrian signals on City Hill between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue are also being constructed in parallel to provide more options to walk around the city during and after construction.”
Mr Steel said that once the traffic lights were installed, people would see more activity around London Circuit as crews start to build up the road between Constitution Avenue and Edinburgh Avenue to create a new intersection level with Commonwealth Avenue.
“When raising London Circuit is complete, the City will be better connected with the lake delivering a more people-friendly interchange for walking, cycling and public transport,” he said.
“As work increases in the coming months, Canberrans are encouraged to rethink their routine when travelling to the city, especially during the morning peak.”
The Minister said that while every effort would be made to minimise disruption throughout construction, “there is no doubt this project will change how Canberrans travel in around the city”.
Mr Steel said work to build the new City Hill footpath and to install traffic lights and a new bus lane at Vernon Circle was expected to take eight to 12 weeks.
