The Transport Canberra and City Services Directorate has begun improvement works around the historic Sydney and Melbourne buildings in Civic.
The works include new pedestrian areas as well as seating, lighting, a cycle path and outdoor dining, all aimed at making the Central Business District more attractive, safer and easier to get around.
In a statement, the Directorate said simple changes to the verges on Northbourne Avenue adjacent to the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings would complement the new Alinga Street light rail stop, future extension of the bus interchange as well as readying the area for the City-to-Woden light rail route.
“By doing the verge work now, we won’t need to do it in the future when we build the next stage of light rail,” the Directorate said.
“We are delivering a new integrated transport network that needs to be supported by an effective interchange in the City for pedestrians, cyclists as well as bus and light rail commuters.”
It said the work would be completed before Christmas with regular notifications for businesses and residents as well as public notices on changed traffic and pedestrian conditions in the area.
Traffic delays were expected and pedestrian and cycle access would be affected with detours in place.
