City Service Update: Major Infrastructure Projects and Transport Fare Changes

Infrastructure Upgrades and Road Disruptions

The ACT Government continues to prioritize essential city upgrades, with several major projects impacting traffic flow in the city center this week. Residents are advised that Bunda Street remains closed to through traffic between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing. This closure, necessary for the Garema Place Hotel development and associated public realm improvements, is scheduled to remain in place until Sunday, 19 April 2026. While pedestrian access to local businesses remains open, motorists are instructed to follow established diversions and allow for minor delays.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project has seen an extension of its Phase 1 traffic arrangements. Due to recent inclement weather, the reduced lane capacity and "stop-and-go" traffic management on Barrine Drive—initially expected to conclude earlier this week—will now remain in effect until Wednesday, 15 April 2026. Drivers are encouraged to allow extra travel time or seek alternative routes into the city via Kings Avenue where possible.

Public Transport Fare Reductions

As part of the ACT Government’s commitment to addressing cost-of-living pressures, a significant reduction in public transport costs is now in effect. As of Wednesday, 8 April 2026, the maximum monthly fare cap for all Transport Canberra bus and light rail services has been halved. This support measure will remain active until 30 June 2026. While individual trip fares remain unchanged, regular commuters will benefit from a substantial reduction in their total monthly transport expenditure. Updated fare cap details are available via the Transport Canberra digital portal.

School Holiday and Road Safety

With the ACT Autumn School Holidays currently in progress (running through to Monday, 20 April), the community is reminded to maintain high levels of vigilance on the roads. Although the Easter double demerit period has concluded, holiday traffic levels remain high across the territory. Motorists are urged to drive to conditions, particularly in residential areas and near recreational parks where children are likely to be active. Note that double demerits are scheduled to resume for the Anzac Day long weekend starting Friday, 24 April.

Public Works and Venue Notices

City Services crews are conducting routine maintenance operations across several districts. Mowing operations are currently underway along Canberra Avenue, Captain Cook Crescent, Sturt Avenue, and Jerrabomberra Avenue. Furthermore, residents are advised that Albert Hall remains closed for the remainder of the 2026 calendar year to facilitate a major transition from gas to electric climate control systems. In the city center, official crews are also performing rabbit control activities near City Hill; residents are asked to follow all displayed safety signage in the area.