Transport Canberra has announced that the launch of light rail on Saturday (20 April) is to be accompanied by road closures in the City and Gungahlin Town Centre.
Project Director of Light Rail, Meghan Oldfield (pictured) said sections of Northbourne Avenue and Gungahlin Town Centre would be closed to traffic to create a safe area for people to queue for light rail rides and enjoy the entertainment.
“There will also be traffic and queue management for safe access at other light rail stops,” Ms Oldfield said.
“Canberrans travelling to these events are advised to use free public transport. Other motorists should avoid the areas or allow extra time for their journeys.”
She said launching light rail was an exciting milestone in Canberra’s history and the Directorate wanted to make sure people could safely queue to ride when it opened.
“Road closures will take place in the City between London Circuit and Barry Drive from 4am on Saturday 20 April with roads re-opening by 6am on Sunday 21 April,” Ms Oldfield said.
“Road signage will indicate northbound detours onto London Circuit and southbound detours onto Barry Drive or Cooyong Streets.”
She said road closures would also take place in the Gungahlin Town Centre at Gungahlin Place, Hibberson and Ernest Cavanagh Streets and on streets surrounding the light rail stop and interchange from 9pm on Friday the 19th to 6am the following Sunday .
“Road users should take note of road signage which will have detours in place,” she said.
“Motorists intent on travelling near the light rail alignment during the light rail launch are encouraged to note changed traffic conditions and reduced speed limits, particularly on Northbourne Avenue.”
Ms Oldfield said the launch events would run from 9am to 4pm at Civic and Gungahlin.
“We’re urging the community to plan ahead and make plenty of time to reach their destinations if travelling through the City.”
