Lake Burley Griffin Gridlock: Extensive Closures for Skyfire and Balloon Spectacular

Significant Disruptions Expected for Major Saturday Events

Canberrans should prepare for a high level of traffic disruption and extensive road closures across the city today, Saturday, 14 March 2026. With the simultaneous kickoff of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and the return of the massive Skyfire fireworks display, central arteries will be heavily restricted throughout the day and evening. Authorities are urging residents to leave their vehicles behind and take advantage of free public transport initiatives.

Skyfire 2026: Major Road and Bridge Closures

The headline event of the day, Skyfire, will necessitate the closure of several key routes around Lake Burley Griffin. Motorists should be aware of the following primary disruptions:

• Commonwealth Avenue Bridge: Closed to all traffic in both directions from 8:10 pm to approximately 11:00 pm.
• Kings Avenue Bridge: Temporary shutdown between 8:25 pm and 8:50 pm for the duration of the fireworks display.
• Parkes Way: The westbound lanes are closed from 8:00 am until 10:00 pm, while eastbound lanes will shut down starting at 2:00 pm.
• Central Precinct: Albert Street, Regatta Place, and Barrine Drive are closed from 6:00 am through 11:00 pm. Wendouree Drive and Parkes Place (East and West) also remain closed for the duration of the event.

Early Morning: Canberra Balloon Spectacular

Commuters moving through the Parliamentary Triangle early this morning should note that the Canberra Balloon Spectacular has also commenced. Road closures are in effect from 5:00 am until 9:30 am around Parkes Place West to accommodate the launch site. While these roads typically reopen before midday, they will quickly close again for Skyfire preparations.

Public Transport: Free Travel and Extra Services

To mitigate the expected gridlock, Transport Canberra is offering free travel on all bus and light rail services from 5:00 pm until the final service of the night. Passengers are still required to tap on and off with their MyWay+ cards or devices, but a $0 fare will be applied. Key service updates include:

• Light Rail: Frequency will increase from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, with the final service departing Alinga Street for Gungahlin at 1:00 am.
• Shuttle Buses: Additional event buses will run from all major interchanges. After the event, all buses will depart from the Commonwealth Avenue southbound Regatta Point bus stop.
• Timing: To ensure arrival before the fireworks, attendees are advised to be at their local interchange by 7:30 pm.

Ongoing Construction and Local Alerts

Beyond the events, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal project continues to impact pedestrian and cycling paths. Furthermore, Coppins Crossing Road remains closed between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue until 6:00 pm this evening. In the south, motorists on Sulwood Drive should exercise caution due to ongoing barrier installation and minor rehabilitation works near Kambah.