Project Benefits

The National Capital Authority is undertaking works to renew Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

The project benefits include:

Safeguarding for the Future

The Bridge is one of two major crossings over Lake Burley Griffin. Since the Bridge’s opening in November 1963 there have been no major works completed to the bridge apart from routine maintenance.

The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project will strengthen the Bridge, ensuring it adequately caters for Canberra’s long term transport needs, responding to a growing population and heavier vehicles.  The project will address safety issues by replacing safety barriers and handrails and installing new lighting on the Bridge.

Wider Shared Pathways and Improved Connectivity

Widening of the shared pathways will deliver improved access and connectivity for all users of the Bridge – including pedestrians and cyclists.  

The project will deliver pedestrian and active travel user separation that is consistent with Austroads standards.

The project includes 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.

The Bridge is described as an elegant, slim line structure with modernist architectural design character.

The National Capital Authority has a key project objective to ensure that the Bridge is planned and developed in accordance with its local and national significance.

As part of this project, landscaping works will improve the urban design and access to the Lake’s foreshore.