Temporary Closures: Current advice
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project
Image
Project Type
Infrastructure Renewal
Location
Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
Construction Start Date
Spring 2025
Completion Date
2027
Budget
$137.5M
Temporary Road or Lake Closures
No
Latest news
7 March 2025
The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project has moved to its next phase. The National Capital Authority (NCA) has awarded the Head Contract to deliver the bridge strengthening and widening project to Seymour Whyte, following an open tender process.
You can read the announcement here
Project Information
The National Capital Authority is delivering the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal project. The project vision is to renew the bridge to cater to Canberra’s long-term transport needs while maintaining the Bridge’s heritage value.
The project involves:
- Bridge Strengthening: Adequately cater for Canberra’s transport needs now and into the future.
- Bridge Widening: Deliver improved access and connectivity for all users travelling on the bridge. Replacement of safety barriers and handrails and installation of new lighting on the bridge.
- Abutments and Approaches: Landscaping works to improve the urban design and provide provisions for better access to and from the bridge and the Lake’s foreshore.
Bridge History
Project Benefits
Project Timeline
Traffic Management
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Previous Alerts and Notifications
In June 2023, the project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works. Following its inquiry, the Committee recommended that the Australian Parliament approve the works. In October 2023 the Committee reported to the Parliament seeking House of Representatives approval. Parliamentary approval was granted on 17 October 2023
Media Release: NCA to undertake major asset renewal for Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
Public Engagement
From 13 April to Sunday 16 April, NCA staff were out and about around Lake Burley Griffin offering updated project information to the public in four face-to-face sessions.
The sessions offered detail on plans to strengthen and widen the bridge, as well as significantly improve the shared path network and upgrade the landscaping in the area around the bridge. While out in the community, we received excellent feedback from Road, Lake and Path users about the proposed plans.
The next step in of the project is to make a formal submission to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works, which will occur in May. The Committee processes allow the Parliament and the community a measure of confidence that public funds are being spent responsibly and that the project meets the needs of the community.
6 October 2022 - Media Release
National Capital Authority announced the winning consultancy firm that will oversee the design of the $137m Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project in the national capital. Read the full media release
The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project will strengthen the Bridge, ensuring it adequately caters for Canberra’s long term transport needs, responding to a growing population and heavier vehicles.
Widening of the shared pathways will deliver improved access and connectivity for all users of the Bridge – including pedestrians and cyclists.
The project will address safety issues including improvements to the shared pathways approach ramps, replacement of safety barriers and handrails and the installation of new lighting on the Bridge.
As part of this project, landscaping works will improve the urban design and access to the Lake’s foreshore.
On 8 April 2022, the Minister for the Environment included Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands in the Commonwealth Heritage List. Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is not itself heritage listed, but it is included within the boundary of the Lake Burley Griffin listed area and contributes to its heritage values.
A heritage assessment was prepared to assess the heritage values of the Bridge prior to going to procurement. This assessment found that the Bridge is historically significant and valued for its long slender spans and a smooth-lined and uncluttered design approach.
The Bridge Renewal project will have regard for preserving the historical significance of the Bridge.
The project will progress in stages to minimise the traffic impacts during construction.
To ensure that one side of the Bridge remains open to pedestrians, cyclists and traffic at all times, the works will be undertaken on the western span of the Bridge first, before progressing to the eastern span of the Bridge.
Temporary traffic measures such as lane closures and lower speed limits may need to be put in place for safety. A Traffic Management Plan will be developed to minimise delays to road and shared path users.
The NCA will keep the community updated on project status and arrangements for traffic management throughout the project.
The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project is unrelated to the ACT Government's plan to extend the Light Rail from Civic to Woden.
The NCA will continue to work with stakeholders, including the ACT Government, to manage the impact of this project and its interrelationship with other works in and around the vicinity.
The NCA will continue to keep community members and other stakeholders updated on project status and arrangements for traffic management once construction works commence.
You can stay informed by subscribing to our mailing list using the link above, or by following the project updates on our website or social media.