Heavy Delays Expected Near Airport and Parliament House for Official Visit

Official Visit and Motorcade Disruptions

Commuters are advised to prepare for significant traffic disruptions across the central and eastern parts of the city today, Thursday, 5 March 2026. ACT Policing has issued a high-priority alert due to an official Guest of Government visit. Beginning at approximately 8:00 am this morning, rolling road closures and delays are expected on major routes leading to and from Canberra Airport. Additionally, the areas surrounding Yarralumla and Parliament House will see a heightened police presence and intermittent traffic stoppages to accommodate the official motorcade.

Motorists travelling to the airport for scheduled flights should allow at least an extra 30 to 45 minutes for their journey to ensure they arrive on time. Police have reminded drivers to follow all directions and avoid illegal maneuvers, such as crossing median strips or verges, even if traffic comes to a complete standstill. These disruptions are expected to continue through the evening peak and into tomorrow morning.

Major Infrastructure and Bridge Projects

Travel through the city center remains impacted by ongoing construction on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. As part of the bridge renewal project, intermittent road impacts and full lane closures are planned throughout the day, with the southbound lane closure remaining a permanent fixture through the end of the month. Motorists should also expect congestion on Northbourne Avenue, where lanes remain reduced to two in each direction between Alinga Street and Vernon Circle to support Light Rail Stage 2A works and utility relocations.

Scheduled Roadworks and Lane Closures

Beyond the major projects, several arterial and suburban roads will experience lane closures today for resurfacing and essential maintenance:

• Canberra Avenue: Lane closures will be in place between Hindmarsh Drive and Gilmore Road in Fyshwick from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm.
• Gungahlin: Manning Clark Crescent will see lane closures from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm between The Valley Avenue and Henry Kendall Street.
• Kambah: Learmonth Drive will have restricted access from Athllon Drive to Meridith Circuit between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm.
• Deakin: The Hopetoun Circuit off-ramp to Adelaide Avenue is scheduled for patching works with a full closure starting at 8:00 pm tonight.
• Braddon: Night works on Limestone Avenue will commence at 8:00 pm, involving lane and side road closures between Donaldson Street and Ijong Street.

Public Transport and Evening Events

The Enlighten Festival continues tonight, bringing heavy pedestrian traffic and nightly road closures to the National Triangle. Transport Canberra has confirmed that bus diversions are in place for several routes serving the city and Parliamentary Zone. While light rail services are operating on a standard schedule between Gungahlin and the City, commuters should be aware that city bus interchange platforms have changed recently to accommodate construction. If you are heading to the festival, authorities recommend using the dedicated shuttle bus services to avoid the severe parking shortages and congestion currently affecting Parkes Way and Commonwealth Avenue.