Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project progresses towards construction

The delivery of Canberra’s biggest infrastructure project to date is progressing well as public consultation on the Development Application and Works Approval for Stage 2A of the Light Rail to Woden project begins. 

The project’s design and Environmental Assessment have been submitted to the National Capital Authority (NCA) and ACT Planning and Land Authority in December last year. 

The Development Application for the Light Rail to Woden Stage 2A will also be opened for public comment soon. 

Canberrans are encouraged to have their say on this vital transport project. The documents are available for review and feedback until 11 May 2023 at the project’s web page. 

The Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments. 

“The Albanese Labor Government is committed to delivering this important piece of job-creating, city-shaping infrastructure for our national capital. 

“We’re working to invest in the important infrastructure Canberra needs as the city grows rapidly. 

“We’ll continue to have discuss with the ACT Government about how we can support their infrastructure initiatives, to make sure Canberra stays a well-connected, sustainable and vibrant city into future,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

Stage 2A will run from Alinga Street in the city to Commonwealth Park, providing a convenient and environmentally friendly transport option to Canberrans. The light rail will also deliver improved connections between the city and the lake as well as enhance local amenity. 

Stage 2A will extend the light rail network by another 1.7 kilometres, traversing both Territory and Commonwealth land. In addition, three new stops will be delivered in Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park. 

“With the ACT growing faster than any other jurisdiction in the country it is critical that we build this infrastructure now to meet the needs of our city in the decades ahead. 

“The construction of Light Rail Stage 2A will revitalise the southern section of the CBD and improve connections between the city and the lake for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. 

“As we get on with Stage 2A, planning will continue on the future stage to Woden that will link with national institutions, tourist attractions and large employment centres in our city’s south,” ACT Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel said. 

Artist impression (Source: ACT Government - Light Rail to Woden)

Final plans for Light Rail Stage 2A have been released with new details about the project design. 

New details highlight landscape and aesthetic features that will transform London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue, including: 

• A landscape developed with the NCA to retail and strengthen the historic and landscaped character of Commonwealth Avenue as a wide tree-lined boulevard developed by the Burley Griffins. This includes proposed pin oak plantings in the Commonwealth Avenue median 
• Grass/green track sections on parts of Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue. Green tracks help reduce glare, noise and dust accumulation, absorbs rainwater and helps the track blend in to the surrounding environment 
• A new inset bridge for light rail constructed over Parkes way in between the two Commonwealth Avenue bridges 
• A discreet wire-free track to maintain Canberra’s iconic landmarks and views 

Safety features have also been incorporated into the proposed design, which prioritises active travel infrastructure such as dedicated and separate pedestrian and cycle paths as well as protected intersections for cyclists. The safety features include: 

• Two new signalised intersections on London Circuit at West Row and University Avenue which will provide safe and controlled pedestrian and cyclist crossings 
• In-ground pedestrian lights in key locations to alert and remind pedestrians to cross light rail tracks safely 
• Protected cycle ways on newly designed intersections at London Circuit and Northbourne Avene and London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue 
• A cobbled median on London Circuit West to help pedestrians and cyclists differentiate the light rail corridor from the roadway 

The plans released for public exhibition include details on tracks, stops, light rail systems as well as associated infrastructure and landscaping for the Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A project. 

“Construction of Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A will connect with Stage 1 at the Alinga Street stop and extend the network further across the city to New Acton. 

“This will revitalise the southern section of the CBD, and transform a busy road interchange into a place that is welcoming for residents, commuters, businesses, students, visitors and workers. 

“The Albanese Labor Government will continue to work with the ACT Government to deliver the transport infrastructure Canberrans need and deserve,” Chair of Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories and Member for Canberra Alicia Payne said. 

Stage 2A alignment (source: ACT Government - Light Rail to Woden)

The NCA previously granted Works Approval to the ACT Government for the raising of London Circuit, which is now under construction. Once completed, construction on Stage 2A can commence – subject to planning approvals and procurement processes. 

To aid the community in making a submission for the project, additional supporting resources have also been made available. 

“Having been a long-term champion of light rail in Canberra, I am pleased to see the progression of Stage 2A of the project. 

“This is what we can deliver when two Labor governments work constructively together,” Senator for ACT Katy Gallagher said. 

Last year, Canberra Metro was awarded a major contract for the delivery of five new light rail vehicles as well as the modification to the existing light rail fleet and expansion of the light rail depot. You can read more about it here.

Canberra Light Rail Stage 2A will not only extend the existing light rail network, but it will also support up to 1,000 jobs during its life.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; ACT Government – Light Rail to Woden (1, 2); ABC News