Canberra Day Traffic: Sunday Timetables and Major Bridge Diversions in Effect

Public Holiday Overview

Today, Monday, 9 March 2026, Canberra celebrates the Canberra Day public holiday. Commuters can expect significantly lighter traffic on major arteries like the Tuggeranong Parkway and Monaro Highway. However, while the morning rush hour is absent, significant infrastructure projects and festival events will dictate travel patterns throughout the day and into the evening.

Public Transport Changes

Transport Canberra has confirmed that all bus and light rail services will operate on a Sunday timetable today. Commuters and festival-goers should plan for reduced frequency compared to a standard Monday. The Enlighten Festival shuttle buses will remain operational from 5:00 pm to help residents access the National Triangle for the final night of the event.

Major Bridge and City Works

Despite the holiday, long-term construction projects remain in place. The most significant impact is on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The northbound span is currently closed to all traffic as part of the bridge renewal project. All vehicles, including buses and emergency services, are being diverted onto the southbound span via crossover lanes. A dedicated priority lane is available for buses heading northbound toward the City, but general motorists should expect merging delays near Albert Hall.

In the City Interchange area, the following disruptions continue:

• London Circuit: The western side remains closed to regular traffic. The eastern side is closed between Northbourne Avenue and Theatre Lane to facilitate light rail utility relocations.
• Northbourne Avenue: Capacity is reduced to two lanes in each direction between Alinga Street and Vernon Circle. Drivers are reminded that right-hand turns from Northbourne Avenue onto Alinga Street are strictly prohibited.
• Vernon Circle: Temporary traffic lights are in operation to manage flow around the construction zones.

Enlighten Festival Closures

As the Enlighten Festival concludes today, nightly road closures will be in effect in the National Triangle from 4:00 pm until midnight. Drivers should avoid the following areas or seek alternative routes:

• King George Terrace and King Edward Terrace (closed between Parkes Place East and Parkes Place West).
• Queen Elizabeth Terrace.
• Parkes Place West (closed north of King Edward Terrace).

For those attending the festivities at Commonwealth Park, parking will be limited. Authorities recommend using Park and Ride facilities and connecting with the light rail or the free event shuttle services to avoid congestion around the city center.