Commonwealth Avenue Reopens Following Weekend Blitz; Daytime Closures Set for Gungahlin

Major Arteries and City Access

Commuters heading into the City this morning, Monday, 16 February 2026, will see a return to regular traffic patterns on Commonwealth Avenue. The full northbound closure between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle, which was in place over the weekend for Light Rail Stage 2A works, is scheduled to reopen at 6:00 am. Similarly, the Parkes Way westbound ramp to Commonwealth Avenue southbound is expected to be clear for the Monday morning peak. While these major weekend restrictions have lifted, motorists should remain alert for ongoing construction activity and permanent lane reductions near London Circuit.

In the city center, the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit remains a significant pinch point. Northbourne Avenue continues to operate with only two lanes open in each direction between Alinga Street and Vernon Circle. With the Raising London Circuit project in its final stages of integration with the light rail extension, drivers are encouraged to allow an extra 10 to 15 minutes for travel through the CBD.

Gungahlin and Belconnen Alerts

Residents in Canberra’s north should prepare for specific local disruptions starting today. In Gungahlin, Mirrabei Drive will be subject to road closures between Paul Coe Crescent and Gundaroo Drive from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm for scheduled maintenance. Additionally, Sutherland Crescent will be closed between Trevor Gibson Way and Horse Park Drive from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm.

For those traveling from Belconnen, the overnight asphalt resurfacing on the Barton Highway between Bellenden Street and Gundaroo Drive is expected to conclude by 6:00 am. While the road will be open for the morning commute, motorists may encounter localized speed restrictions or loose surfaces in the newly treated areas.

Southside and Major Highway Updates

• Monaro Highway: Construction continues on the Lanyon Drive interchange. While two lanes are maintained in both directions during peak periods, traffic has been shifted onto the new Dog Trap Creek Bridge structure. Expect heavy machinery and site vehicles near the Hume industrial precinct.
• Athllon Drive: A reduced speed limit of 40 km/h remains in effect between Drakeford Drive and Vosper Street. This is due to ongoing utility services works and is expected to stay in place through late February.
• William Hovell Drive: Early works for the duplication project are active. Watch for surveyors and site compound setup between John Gorton Drive and Drake Brockman Drive.

Public Transport and Rail

Transport Canberra confirms that the Term 1 construction bus network is in full effect. Commuters are reminded that several routes remain diverted away from the southern end of London Circuit to accommodate the new bridge deck construction over Parkes Way. While most stops remain serviced, some temporary relocations are in place near Commonwealth Avenue. Light rail services are operating on a standard weekday frequency with no reported delays to the Gungahlin-to-City line.