Commonwealth Avenue Evening Lane Closures and Peak Hour Delays: Wednesday Commute Update

Wednesday Traffic and Commute Overview

Commuters across the ACT should prepare for a busy Wednesday, March 25, 2026, as major infrastructure projects continue to reshape the city’s arterial routes. While the morning peak is expected to follow the now-standard 2026 timetable patterns, significant evening disruptions are scheduled for the central corridor. Drivers and public transport users are advised to allow for extra travel time, particularly when crossing the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, where the ongoing renewal project remains the primary driver of congestion.

Major Road Closures and Lane Reductions

The most significant impact today will occur on Commonwealth Avenue. As part of the Light Rail Stage 2A works and the bridge renewal project, a double lane closure is scheduled for the southbound carriageway. This closure will affect the stretch from the Parkes Way on/off ramps to Albert Street East. The restrictions will begin at 8:00 PM tonight and are expected to remain in place until 5:00 AM Thursday morning. During this window, southbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane. While this is a night-work schedule, motorists should be alert for early signage and potential congestion building from the late evening.

In the City, Bunda Street remains closed between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing. This closure is part of the ongoing Garema Place Hotel upgrades and is expected to continue through mid-April. Diversions are in place via Akuna Street and Cooyong Street. Additionally, motorists heading toward the airport should note that road closures at the intersection of Majura Road and Fairbairn Avenue remain active. The left-turn slip lane from Fairbairn Avenue onto Majura Road is currently closed, with detours adding several minutes to travel times during peak periods.

Public Transport and Bus Service Alerts

Transport Canberra has issued specific alerts for bus users today. In Belconnen, Bus Stop 4415 is in its final day of a scheduled closure. This stop will remain out of service until the last bus tonight, Wednesday, March 25. Passengers who typically use this stop should check the journey planner for the nearest alternative location.

Commuters are also reminded that the 2026 revised bus network is designed to account for a 13-minute increase in travel times for southbound morning peak services across the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. Afternoon peak services are seeing average delays of approximately 7 minutes. High-capacity articulated buses are being deployed on Rapid routes to manage passenger volume despite these slower transit times.

Regional Highway and Local Roadwork Updates

• Monaro Highway: Ongoing pavement rehabilitation near the Royalla solar farm may result in off-peak lane reductions. Temporary traffic lights are active at the intersection with Lanyon Drive.
• Barton Highway: Signage upgrade works are occurring between Gundaroo Drive and the NSW border. While most works are off the main carriageway, reduced speed limits are in effect in work zones.
• Molonglo Valley: A concrete pour is scheduled for the northbound carriageway of the new Molonglo River Bridge today. While this is a major milestone for the project, officials have stated there will be no direct traffic impacts on surrounding roads.
• Kambah: Localized delays are possible at the intersection of Atkins Street and Livingston Avenue due to safety improvement works.