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

There will be significant changes for road and path users from this week as essential upgrades get underway on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project.

The project involves bridge strengthening and widening of the shared paths to respond to the growing population, increased traffic and new vehicles as well as providing better access for pedestrians and cyclists across, to and from the bridge.

To safely complete the main construction works on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, it is necessary to close each side of the bridge for around 12 months per side. The northbound side of the bridge will close first.

In December 2025 temporary crossover lanes were constructed to the north and south of the bridge to facilitate movement of road users onto the open side. Prior to fully closing the northbound side of the bridge, traffic changes are required to allow installation of permanent bollards (separating the northbound and southbound traffic lanes), signage and line marking. 

It will take approximately three days to complete these works with the full closure of the northbound side of the bridge in effect from Thursday 8 January 2026 (weather permitting).

Key information for road and shared path users

• Tuesday 6 January - 6:45am to 5:00pm - the Flynn Drive on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will close to general traffic. Access will be maintained for Transport Canberra buses.
• Tuesday 6 January - From 10:00am - southbound traffic will be reduced to one lane.
• Thursday 8 January:
  • From 6:00am - northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane on the northbound side of the bridge, the northbound shared path and the Flynn Drive on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will close.
  • From around 1:00pm – northbound traffic (including buses) will move onto the southbound side of the bridge, using the crossover lane. Only one northbound lane will be open with buses using this lane alongside general traffic for a short time.
  • From around 3:00pm, the northbound bus and emergency services priority lane will be opened on the southbound side of the bridge.

There will be significant disruptions to the road network during construction of this project and other projects occurring simultaneously. 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. More information will be published by Transport Canberra on their website at www.transport.act.gov.au when available.

There are many great platforms to check real-time traffic conditions before you get on the road, such as Waze Navigation and Live Traffic, Google Maps and Apple Maps. Whilst you’re on the road there are roadside travel time boards to help you choose your route. 

The NCA is committed to providing updates to the community throughout the construction period. You can sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox on our website or follow us on social media.

For full details of the closure implementation and more information on the project, visit www.nca.gov.au/commbridge