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.

Construction started in early September with site establishment activities, including 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.

In recent weeks the team has commenced installation of new irrigation lines as well as excavation for the new 3m wide pedestrian paths. Before the end of September 2026 additional discrete fencing will be installed on the sections of Parkes Place Lawns where connecting footpaths will be constructed.

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 one-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.