Gridlock Alert: Northbourne Avenue Fully Closed This Weekend for Light Rail Blitz

Major Road Closures in the City Centre

The final weekend of the January construction blitz is upon us, and Canberra commuters are advised to avoid the city centre where possible. As part of the Light Rail Stage 2A works, Northbourne Avenue remains fully closed in both directions between Vernon Circle and Cooyong Street. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until 5:00 AM on Monday, February 2, 2026. The intersection of Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue is also completely closed to all vehicle traffic and pedestrians, significantly impacting the primary northern arterial route into the CBD.

• Northbourne Avenue: Closed in both directions between Vernon Circle and Cooyong Street.
• Alinga Street Intersection: No access for vehicles or pedestrians across Northbourne Avenue.
• London Circuit: Ongoing restrictions continue on the western side between Northbourne Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue as crews work on the raising of London Circuit.

Public Transport Disruptions

While light rail services between Alinga Street and Sandford Street have officially returned to their normal schedule, the City bus interchange remains under significant pressure. Platforms 1, 2, 3, and 4 at the City Interchange are closed until the end of service on Sunday, February 1. Many bus routes have been relocated to temporary stands nearby. Commuters are urged to look for on-site wayfinding signage and allow extra time for transfers between bus and rail services.

Regional Roadworks and Maintenance

Maintenance activity is also affecting several suburban and arterial roads this Saturday. Motorists should be aware of the following conditions:

• Monaro Highway: Expect lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40km/h near the Royalla solar farm due to ongoing resealing work.
• Spence: Residual impacts from resurfacing on Boote Street, Boote Place, and Curley Street may cause minor local delays.
• Lanyon Drive: Emergency repairs following a recent motor vehicle incident near the Monaro Highway intersection may result in intermittent lane closures throughout the day.

Event Traffic: Thoroughbred Park

Thoroughbred Park in Lyneham is hosting a major event today from 1:30 PM to 8:30 PM. Heavy traffic is expected along Randwick Road and Flemington Road. Given the existing light rail construction activity in the vicinity, attendees are strongly encouraged to use public transport or allow at least 20 minutes of additional travel time if driving.

Recommended Detours

To avoid the significant delays in the city centre, the following alternative routes are recommended:

• North-South Travel: Use Gungahlin Drive or the Majura Parkway to bypass the CBD entirely.
• Local City Access: Divert via Antill Street, Wakefield Avenue, or Parkes Way.
• Pedestrians: Use the crossings at Rudd Street and Bunda Street, as the Alinga Street pedestrian crossings remain closed.