Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project involves strengthening the Bridge to adequately cater for Canberra’s transport needs now and into the future. Widening of the shared user paths will deliver improved access and connectivity for all users travelling on the bridge. The project will address safety issues including improvements to the shared path 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.

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is one of two major crossings over Lake Burley Griffin. Since the Bridge’s opening in late 1963, there have been no major works completed to the bridge apart from routine maintenance. The Bridge is now one of the busiest active transport links in the City network, connecting north and south Canberra, and providing access to the Lake and Commonwealth Park. The current shared user paths do not support safe multi-modal access over the Bridge. The project will deliver improved separation between pedestrian and cyclist movements. The project will include structural works that are required to meet relevant design standards. The renewal works will also extend the design life of the Bridge.

On 8 April 2022, the Minister for the Environment included Lake Burley Griffin and Adjacent Lands in the Commonwealth Heritage List. The Bridge is included within the boundary of the listed area and contributes to its heritage values.
A heritage assessment has been prepared to specifically assess the heritage values of the Bridge. This assessment found that the Bridge is historically significant and valued for its long slender spans and a smooth-lined and uncluttered design approach.
During the next phase of the project, the National Capital Authority will commence developing a project design. As part of the design development heritage impact assessments will be prepared that consider the proposed design against the Bridge’s heritage values to minimise potential heritage impacts. In accordance with best practice, the proposed design changes should be discernible, but sympathetic to the heritage values.

Construction would result in a temporary increase in traffic on the surrounding road network. Construction vehicle movements are expected to peak during material delivery and during the main construction works. Temporary traffic restrictions such as lane closures and lower speed limits would need to be put in place for the safety of construction workers. A Traffic Management Plan would be developed to minimise delays to road and shared pedestrian and cycleway path users. Access over the lake would be maintained during construction.

The Raising London Circuit Project will raise London Circuit by six metres to form an at-grade intersection with Commonwealth Avenue. Approval for the project was granted by the National Capital Authority in March 2022 following the submission of a Works Approval and Environmental Assessment in late 2021. A construction contract has been awarded with main works expected to commence late 2022 and will take two years to complete. The delivery of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge works are expected to coincide with these works by the ACT Government. The National Capital Authority will work with the ACT Government to minimise impacts to the community where possible. To stay up to date with Raising London Circuit and other related projects such as light rail please visit the ACT Government website Raising London Circuit.

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project is unrelated to the ACT Government's plan to extend Canberra light rail network from Civic to Woden. To learn more about the light rail project please visit the ACT Government website Raising London Circuit.

In March 2020, the project was accepted for Infrastructure Australia's evaluation. In January 2021, the Australian Government committed $137 million to deliver the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal.

A construction start date will be determined during the next phase of design. We will continue to keep community members and other stakeholders informed of our progress throughout the remainder of the project. You can stay informed by subscribing to our mailing list using the form above, or by following us on Twitter 

Community and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated with the latest information about our work. A construction start date will be determined during the next phase of the project. We will continue to keep community members and other stakeholders informed of our progress throughout the remainder of the project. You can stay informed by subscribing to our mailing list using the form above, or by following us on Twitter