Pedestrian Upgrades

Millions of people are estimated to visit the National Capital Estate, including its many cultural institutions, annually. To encourage pedestrian activity and enhance visitor access, the National Capital Authority is delivering pedestrian upgrades between John Dunmore Lang Place and Federation Plaza. 

These upgrades will improve accessibility and connectivity between key national attractions and commemorative sites including Commonwealth Place, Reconciliation Place, the National Rose Gardens, the Aboriginal Tent Embassy and Old Parliament House (Museum of Australian Democracy).

• New 3m wide pedestrian paths through John Dunmore Lang Place and 3.5m wide path joining to Federation Plaza, creating a continuous connection between Commonwealth Place and the Museum of Australian Democracy. This also includes a new 2.4m wide path along the length of King Edward Terrace between Parkes Place East and West.
• 2 new raised pedestrian crossings along King Edward Terrace and associated lighting.

Design work has been finalised and construction approvals are now underway. Construction is anticipated to commence in early September 2026.

Construction is anticipated to begin with site establishment activities, which will include fencing of some of the grassed areas of John Dunmore Lang Place as well as temporary traffic management set up to manage pedestrian movements around the work area.

Construction is expected to take approximately 6 months to complete (including landscape consolidation). As path connections are completed, they will be progressively opened up to the public.

An estimated 1 week closure of a section of King Edward Terrace to facilitate installation of the raised pedestrian crossings will also be required. Access to cultural institutions will be maintained when the closure is implemented. Exact timing for this is yet to be confirmed.