Major Delays Expected on Coppins Crossing Road and Commonwealth Avenue This Friday

Significant Disruption on Coppins Crossing Road

Commuters in Canberra’s west should prepare for significant travel changes today, Friday, 13 March 2026. As part of the ongoing Molonglo River Bridge project, Coppins Crossing Road remains fully closed between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue. This closure is scheduled to remain in place until at least 6:00 pm this evening, though a weather contingency is in effect that could extend the restrictions into Saturday. Residents in Whitlam and Denman Prospect are advised to use the Tuggeranong Parkway as the primary detour route and to allow at least 15 to 20 minutes of additional travel time during the morning and afternoon peaks.

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Impacts

In the city center, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project continues to reshape traffic flow across the lake. Motorists are reminded that the southbound carriage is currently reduced to a single lane of general traffic, with a dedicated priority lane reserved for buses and emergency services. Traffic modeling suggests that southbound travel times during the morning peak may increase by approximately 13 minutes. To ease congestion, temporary traffic signals remain active at the intersection of Vernon Circle and Coranderrk Street. Additionally, Barrine Drive beneath the bridge will be restricted to a single lane between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm today, with stop-and-go arrangements managed by onsite traffic controllers.

City Core and Local Roadworks

Several local projects are also impacting the Friday commute:

• Bunda Street: A total closure is in effect between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing for essential upgrade works. Motorists should divert via Cooyong Street.
• Northbourne Avenue: The intersection at Alinga Street now enforces strict 'Buses Only' restrictions for east-west travel. Motorists traveling on Northbourne Avenue are also prohibited from making right-hand turns onto Alinga Street.
• Knowles Place: Expect intermittent short-term closures throughout the day for minor infrastructure maintenance.

Public Transport and School Service Alerts

Transport Canberra has confirmed that Route 47 will continue to be diverted today due to the Coppins Crossing Road closure. Dedicated school services have been adjusted to ensure students can reach Evelyn Scott School, with a temporary morning service departing Belconnen Interchange at 8:18 am and an afternoon return service departing the school at 3:10 pm. Passengers using the 2026 'construction network' timetables should check the real-time NXTBUS app, as the current bridge works are causing minor flow-on delays across the central bus network.

Safety and Weekend Outlook

With the Canberra Balloon Spectacular and Skyfire events scheduled to begin tomorrow, 14 March, commuters may notice early event infrastructure being established around Lake Burley Griffin today. Authorities urge all road users to remain patient, obey temporary speed limits, and watch for increased pedestrian activity near the Parliamentary Triangle as the city prepares for a busy weekend of festivities.