City Notice: Critical Weekend Road Closures and Public Service Updates

Road Alert: Major Lane Closures on Commonwealth Avenue

The ACT Government has issued an urgent travel advisory for the weekend of Saturday, 21 March 2026. As part of the Light Rail Stage 2A infrastructure project, Commonwealth Avenue northbound will be reduced to a single lane between Albert Street West and Parkes Way. This restriction is active from Friday evening and will remain in place until 5:00 AM on Monday, 23 March. Motorists are advised to expect significant congestion throughout the day on Saturday.

• Drivers should utilize the Kings Avenue Bridge as an alternative route to the City.
• Reduced speed limits and traffic marshals will be in place near Vernon Circle.
• Parkes Way westbound off-ramps may experience intermittent heavy traffic due to merging flows.

Public Service: ACT Courts System Maintenance

The ACT Courts and Tribunal have issued a notice regarding scheduled maintenance on their digital infrastructure. Members of the public and legal practitioners are advised that any probate or public notices submitted after 5:00 PM on Thursday, 19 March, will not be published on the official portal until Monday, 23 March, at 9:00 AM. This administrative delay affects all automated legal notifications usually processed over the weekend. Emergency court services remain unaffected by this website maintenance window.

Special Event Traffic: Balloon Spectacular and EPIC Hub

Canberra’s National Triangle and the northern suburbs will see high traffic volumes this Saturday due to major seasonal events. The Canberra Balloon Spectacular enters its final weekend, with crowds expected around Lake Burley Griffin from dawn. Parking restrictions will be strictly enforced in the Parliamentary Zone to ensure emergency vehicle access.

In the north, Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) will host the year's first Handmade Market and the Canberra Rock Swap. Authorities anticipate heavy traffic on Flemington Road and Northbourne Avenue between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturday. Public transport is recommended for those attending the markets, with light rail services operating at standard weekend frequencies to the EPIC station.

Community Notice: Harmony Week Observances

Saturday, 21 March 2026, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The ACT Government recognizes this date as a focal point of Harmony Week. Residents are encouraged to engage with community-led events across the Territory that promote inclusion and cultural diversity. Official flags will be flown in the city center to mark the occasion, and public service providers are reminded of their duties under the Multiculturalism Act 2023 to ensure all community interactions remain respectful and inclusive.

Infrastructure: Footpath Completion Notice

The National Capital Authority (NCA) has noted that the current phase of the Concrete Path Upgrade Program is scheduled for completion by the end of the day on Saturday, 21 March. While most pathways in the National Triangle will return to full access by Sunday morning, residents should remain alert for minor site remediation works and temporary fencing still in place on Saturday afternoon.