Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project

Construction Start Date
November 2025
Completion Date
Major works late 2027
Budget
$152.2 million
Temporary Road or Lake Closures
No

Latest news

February 2026

Construction on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project is barging ahead. Many of the construction activities over the next two years will occur either inside the bridge deck or beneath the bridge. 

Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and at the end of January these were delivered to site, craned into the water, put together and moved to the first bridge pier at the southern end. Scaffolding has now been constructed on top of the barges and from here our project team will carry out much of the construction.

From March 2026 there will be changes to access along Barrine Drive beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. An approximately 200 metre section will be reduced to one lane as required between the hours of 7am and 6pm with stop and go arrangements in place. Towards the end of the month temporary traffic lights will be installed and these arrangements will be in place for approximately 7 months (weather permitting).

See Construction for further information on changes for road, shared path and lake users.

Construction image gallery

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This image is a drone photo of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge taken from the southern end looking towards the City.
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Thie image shows the crossover lanes at the northern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - it is taken from directly above the crossover.
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Thie image shows the crossover lanes at the northern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
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This image is a drone photo of the southern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge showing traffic crossing over from north to south.
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This image is of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge taken from the southern end of the bridge showing one side closed and one side operating two directions of traffic.
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Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and across three days at the end of January these were deliver to site, craned into the water, put together and moved to the first bridge pier at the southern end.
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Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and across three days at the end of January these were deliver to site, craned into the water, put together and moved to the first bridge pier at the southern end.
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This image is a drone photo of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge taken from the southern end looking towards the City.
Thie image shows the crossover lanes at the northern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - it is taken from directly above the crossover.
Thie image shows the crossover lanes at the northern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
This image is a drone photo of the southern end of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge showing traffic crossing over from north to south.
This image is of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge taken from the southern end of the bridge showing one side closed and one side operating two directions of traffic.
Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and across three days at the end of January these were deliver to site, craned into the water, put together and moved to the first bridge pier at the southern end.
Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and across three days at the end of January these were deliver to site, craned into the water, put together and moved to the first bridge pier at the southern end.

On this page

Project Overview

The National Capital Authority is undertaking major renewal works of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The project involves bridge strengthening and widening of the shared paths to cater to Canberra’s long-term transport needs while maintaining the bridge’s heritage value.

Please note these works are not connected with any light rail projects. 

About Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge we know today was constructed and opened to traffic in late 1963. Part of the dual carriageway Commonwealth Avenue, the bridge consists of two separate and parallel structures of around 310 metres long. It is a critical and strategically important arterial corridor in Canberra’s metropolitan transport network catering to public transport, active travel and vehicular traffic. 

Learn more about the history of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge on the Attractions page.

About the project

Due to its remarkable engineering design, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge has not undergone any significant upgrades for sixty years. However, the time for these upgrades has come. Once work is completed the bridge will be strengthened to respond to the growing population, increased traffic and new vehicles as well as to provide better access for pedestrians and cyclists across, to and from the bridge.

Project benefits

  • Safeguarding for the future: this project will strengthen the bridge, ensuring it adequately caters for Canberra’s long term transport needs, responding to a growing population, increased traffic and new vehicles. It will also address safety issues by replacing safety barriers and handrails and installing new lighting on the bridge.
  • Wider shared paths and improved connectivity: widening of the shared paths will deliver improved access and connectivity for all users. Improvements to the shared path approach ramps to provide better access to the bridge for all users and to better integrate with the wider shared path network.
  • Maintaining the National Capital Plan: Commonwealth Avenue Bridge has considerable cultural and heritage value as a key landmark in Canberra. A key project objective is to ensure the bridge is planned and developed in accordance with its local and national significance. As part of the project, landscaping works will improve the urban design and access to the Lake’s foreshore.

Project key features

  • Bridge strengthening including replacement of the existing bearings and reinforcement with high-strength concrete and cabling.
  • Widening of the shared paths along the bridge from the existing 2.4 metres to 5 metres. Improved shared path access with new connecting paths and replacement of the existing stairs.
  • New viewing platforms located at each of the four pylons (ends of the bridge).
  • New lighting across the length of the bridge including within the shared path handrails.
  • Landscaping to complement Canberra’s landscape including new trees, grasses and groundcovers, shrubs and feature plantings.
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3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - view from below.
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3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - view of the lookouts and shared path.
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3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - from below looking up at the lookout
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3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - side view
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3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - view from below.
3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - view of the lookouts and shared path.
3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - from below looking up at the lookout
3D perspective of the upgraded Commonwealth Avenue Bridge - side view

Project timeline

2021

  • Project first announced

2022

  • SMEC announced as design consultant and concept design phase commences

2023

  • Funding allocated for detailed design and construction
  • Community engagement on the concept design
  • Parliamentary Committee on Public Works Inquiry

2023/2024

  • Procurement via open tender for detailed design and construction

2025

  • Seymour Whyte Constructions announced as Head Contractor
  • Detailed design phase including NCA Works Approval process
  • Preliminary construction works begin

2026

  • Stage 1: closure of the northbound bridge side

2027

  • Stage 2: closure of the southbound bridge side
  • Completion of major construction works

Early 2028

  • Minor works including landscaping complete
  • Project completion

Project status

Seymour Whyte was awarded the detailed design and construct contract in March 2025. As part of the detailed design phase, investigations including survey and geotechnical works were carried out between April and September 2025.

A site compound has been set up in the Barrine Drive short stay carpark. The carpark is being permanently removed as part of these works. The main site compound has been established south of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge within the Flynn Drive cloverleaf for the construction period.

Construction will be completed in two main stages with each stage anticipated to take around 12 months.

  • Stage 1: northbound bridge side
  • Stage 2: southbound bridge side.

Construction

To ensure all activities are completed as safely and efficiently as possible, hours of work during the construction phase will be:

  • Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 7am to 6pm
  • Saturday: 8am to 1pm (as required).

Any activities requiring completion outside of these hours will be notified to the community ahead of time.

Traffic management during main bridge construction

Due to the nature of the works being undertaken to strengthen the bridge, it is necessary to close each side of the bridge one at a time to enable the upgrades. This includes the traffic lanes and the shared path. One side of the bridge will remain open to accommodate traffic and shared path users. 

We have been working closely with the ACT Government on traffic arrangements for the construction period. During construction there will be two northbound lanes and one southbound lane available on the open bridge side. This includes one lane of general traffic in both directions. The second northbound lane will be a bus and emergency services priority lane. 

Stage 1:

Canberrans and visitors to the National Capital can expect the following changes from Thursday 8 January 2025 and for the duration of Stage 1 (approximately 12 months, weather permitting):

  • full closure of the northbound side - lanes and shared path – of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
  • the open side of the bridge will have; two northbound lanes with one for general traffic and one bus and emergency services priority lane and one southbound lane for general traffic
  • closure of the Flynn Drive on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue northbound for general traffic; road users will be detoured via Coronation Drive
  • general traffic travelling northbound (towards the city) will merge into one lane near Albert Hall and move onto the southbound side of the bridge via the newly constructed crossover lanes
  • general traffic travelling southbound (toward Parliament House) will merge into one lane after Albert Street and continue on the southbound side of the bridge
  • full closure of the shared path on the northbound span of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge with shared path users detoured onto the southbound side via:
    • Flynn Drive or Barrine Drive, beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
    • the pedestrian underpass near Albert Hall/the Hyatt Canberra
    • the pedestrian traffic lights near Albert Street.

Note: from March 2026 there will be no stair access for shared path users along the southbound side of the bridge. The ramps at both ends will remain open.

The northbound bridge side will close to traffic from January 2026 and all traffic and shared path users will be redirected to the southbound side of the bridge..

Temporary changes along Barrine Drive

From Monday 2 March 2026, Barrine Drive will be reduced to one lane for approximately 200 metres beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge as required between the hours of 7:00am and 6:00pm. Stop and go arrangements will be in place.

Towards the end of March, temporary traffic lights will be installed at both ends and this will become a 24/7 arrangement to support construction activities for up to 7 months (weather permitting).

From March 2026 Barrine Drive will be reduced to one lane for a 200m section beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

There will be significant disruptions to the road network during construction and road users are encouraged to allow extra travel time and consider what choices you can make to improve your commute. If possible, travel outside peak times, allow extra time for your trip or find other ways to travel. 

There will be changes for public transport users. Updated timetables and school packs can be viewed and downloaded on Transport Canberra's website here: Transport.act.gov.au/updated-timetable

The road network will be monitored and we will work closely with the ACT Government to regularly communicate about impacts and alternate routes. We are committed to completing works as efficiently and safely as possible.

Suggested routes for shared path users

Detour map for road users

Download a PDF copy of the map here.

Changed traffic arrangements for the first stage of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project

Lake management during main bridge construction

The majority of works for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project will occur either from the bridge deck or beneath the bridge. Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges, and this will have impacts on movement beneath the bridge for lake users over the next two years.

Stage 1:

Over the next 12 months there will be phased closures of spans as the works progress at each pier and we will provide ongoing updates ahead of each span closure.

Closure arrangements for Stage 2 (southbound bridge works) will be provided ahead of the next stage of works commencing on the southbound bridge.

Changes to lake access from 29 January 2026

From Thursday 29 January 2026 to 7 April 2026 (weather permitting) spans 1 and 2 (southern spans) will be closed to all lake traffic. All other spans will remain open. Please see below image of the arrangements. Please note the suggested travel direction for each open span.

Download a PDF copy of the below map here.

This image is a basic diagram of Lake Burley Griffin beneath Commonwealth Avenue Bridge showing two of the five spans closed to lake traffic.

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If you would like to contact the project team, email us at communications@nca.gov.au

Publications and previous announcements

Public Interest Certificate

5 January 2026: Consider your commute: major changes start this week across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

26 November 2025: Commonwealth Avenue Bridge span closure from Wednesday 7 January 2026

10 November 2025: Construction to get underway for the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project

21 October 2025: Essential upgrade works for Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to begin soon

26 August 2025: Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Update

7 March 2025: Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project Update

6 October 2022: NCA to undertake major asset renewal for Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Due to its remarkable engineering design, Commonwealth Avenue Bridge has not undergone any significant upgrades for sixty years. In this time we have seen the size and weight of everyday vehicles increase. It is important to ensure the bridge is upgraded to accommodate these increasing vehicle sizes today and into the future.

Whilst these strengthening works will increase the bridge’s load rating to accommodate heavier vehicles up to 44 tonnes, vehicle limits across the bridge will remain consistent with the authorised heavy vehicle routes determined by the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator.

In addition to the traffic lanes, Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is the primary north-south link for pedestrians and active travel users. At only 2.4 metres wide, the existing shared paths on both sides of the bridge do not meet Austroad Guidelines or industry standards. The project will double the width of the path system, significantly improving safety for both pedestrians and cyclists.

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 impact assessment has been prepared as part of the design for the works.

The report identified the proposed works would have a moderate impact on several heritage values because of the bridge widening which would remove parts of the original structure and handrails, impacting several creative qualities. However, the design of the extensions to the bridge has sought to minimise the impact through the simple, modern form and materials selected.

There was also a minor impact noted because of the bridge’s changed appearance, including to the landscaping. These impacts would be greater at close range, but less perceptible from further away. New plantings are expected to mitigate this landscape impact over time.

Otherwise, no additional heritage values were noted.

The project will have regard for preserving the historical significance of the bridge. 

The upgraded bridge will generally retain its current visual appearance. New materials being used to upgrade the bridge will not be visible due to their location within the bridge and those used for the widening of the bridge will complement the existing look of the bridge.

Both sets of flagpoles have been removed to allow construction activities associated with the project to take place. There are no current plans to reinstate the flagpoles following construction. The flagpoles along Kings Avenue will remain.

There will be significant closures and traffic impacts during construction and Canberrans are urged to plan ahead and, if possible, consider changes to how you travel. 

To ensure one side of the bridge remains open, works will be undertaken on the northbound side of the bridge first, before progressing to the southbound side. 

During construction there will be two northbound lanes and one southbound lane available on the open bridge side. There will be one lane of general vehicle traffic in both directions. The second northbound lane will be a bus and emergency services priority lane.

The road network will be monitored and we will work closely with the ACT Government to communicate about impacts and alternate routes. We recognise this is going to be disruptive for the community and visitors to the National Capital and are committed to completing works as efficiently and safely as possible. 

The water level of Lake Burley Griffin is lowered to manage risks associated with construction activities on the Scrivener Dam Dissipator Strengthening Project. The lake is lowered to a maximum of 500mm below normal levels for the duration of construction.

On the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project, the majority of works will occur either inside the bridge deck or beneath the bridge and may not be highly visible to the public. Works beneath the bridge will be carried out from barges and these will arrive in January 2026. There will be some impacts for lake users, including gradual closures of sections of the lake beneath the bridge as works progress.

We urge all lake users to consider the impacts and potential new hazards prior to setting out onto the water.

There will be changes for public transport users. Updated timetables and school packs can be viewed and downloaded on Transport Canberra's website here: Transport.act.gov.au/updated-timetable.

The NCA has and will continue to work closely with the ACT Government to minimise impacts for all road users as much as possible during the construction period. A dedicated northbound bus priority lane has been provided.

Due to the nature of the works being undertaken to strengthen the bridge, it is necessary to close the bridge. These works include replacement of the bridge bearings which sit between the bridge deck and the bridge piers. The bridge will be lifted off the existing piers to complete this work and it is critical there is no additional load on the bridge during this time. 

Furthermore, as part of the works holes will be cut in the bridge deck to allow access for pouring the reinforced concrete slabs inside the bridge. Both these activities necessitate the closure of the affected bridge side to ensure the safety of both the workers and the public. 

Both the NCA and our contractors are subject to the highest standards of work, health and safety and these guide us in developing our construction programs. It is important to acknowledge we are working in a very constrained environment both in terms of confined spaces within the bridge and the added challenge of working over water. 

The NCA considered the options of extended hours of work, however this would significantly increase cost of the project and increase on-site risks during construction. All these factors were considered and balanced appropriately. We are committed to completing works as efficiently and safely as possible and will seek to identify opportunities to accelerate works where possible.

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project is unrelated to the ACT Government's plan to extend the Light Rail from Civic to Woden.  

To learn more about the light rail project, please visit the ACT Government's website.

The NCA is working closely with the ACT Government to coordinate construction programs, disruption and communication activities wherever possible.

The area of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is a constrained environment. To complete these necessary upgrades, our project team needs to work above, below and between the two bridge spans. To construct these works at the same time as the proposed works being delivered with Light Rail Stage 2B would further constrain the environment, making it unsafe for two project teams and all the necessary machinery and activities to co-exist.

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 throughout construction. 

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. If you have any questions about the project you can email us at communications@nca.gov.au 

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region.

We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

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