Major City Closures and Bridge Works Impact Sunday Commutes

Final Day of National Multicultural Festival Brings Significant Road Closures

As Canberra celebrates the final day of the 2026 National Multicultural Festival today, Sunday, 8 February, residents and visitors are advised of extensive road closures in the City and surrounding areas. The festival footprint, stretching from Garema Place to Glebe Park, has necessitated the closure of several key thoroughfares to ensure pedestrian safety and event operations. Major closures remaining in place today include Akuna Street in both directions between Cooyong Street and London Circuit, and sections of Bunda Street between Genge and Binara Streets. Additionally, London Circuit is closed to most traffic between Constitution Avenue and Akuna Street, with exceptions only for buses and authorised event vehicles.

Major Artery Disruptions: Commonwealth Avenue and Parkes Way

Commuters crossing the lake should prepare for delays due to the ongoing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project. Significant construction activity is impacting traffic in both directions. Specifically, for those heading towards the lakeside today, the northbound ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Parkes Way westbound is closed until 6:00 am Monday morning. This closure is required for essential water main installation. Motorists are being detoured via Vernon Circle and Edinburgh Avenue. These works, combined with the Light Rail Stage 2A construction at the intersection of Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit, mean that traditional routes through the city center are highly restricted.

Public Transport Adjustments and Extra Services

Transport Canberra has implemented a special event timetable to accommodate festival crowds. If you are using public transport today, please note the following:

• Light Rail: Increased frequency is in effect, with services running every 10 minutes between 9:00 am and 5:30 pm to move passengers between Gungahlin and the City.
• Extra Bus Services: Additional buses will operate from the Belconnen, Woden, and Tuggeranong interchanges to the City Interchange between 12:00 pm and 6:00 pm today.
• Route Diversions: Bus routes 54 and 55 are currently diverted due to the city road closures. While no stops are officially missed, significant delays are expected on these lines.
• Stop Closures: Bus stop 3003 on London Circuit remains closed. Passengers should use stop 3004 on London Circuit or the City Interchange platforms as an alternative.

Commuter Advice

With the updated bus network having recently launched on February 2, commuters are encouraged to double-check their schedules via the MyWay+ app. Given the limited parking in the City due to the festival and construction, the use of Park & Ride facilities at major interchanges is strongly recommended. Drivers should allow at least an additional 15 to 20 minutes for cross-city travel, particularly when using the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.