Major Northbound Closure on Commonwealth Avenue; Delays Expected for Saturday Commuters

Significant Disruptions on Commonwealth Avenue

Canberra motorists and public transport users should prepare for major disruptions this Saturday, 14 February 2026, as significant construction milestones for the Light Rail Stage 2A project take place. The most critical impact is the full closure of Commonwealth Avenue in the northbound direction between Parkes Way and Vernon Circle. This closure commenced at 8:00 pm on Friday and will remain in place until 5:00 am on Monday, 16 February.

In addition to the main road closure, the Parkes Way off-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue (southbound) is also closed for the duration of the weekend. Detours are in place via the Parkes Way on-ramp, Lawson Crescent, Edinburgh Avenue, and Vernon Circle. Southbound traffic on Commonwealth Avenue is currently restricted to a single lane near the bridge works, a condition expected to continue through March. Commuters are strongly advised to avoid the central city corridor if possible and allow at least 15 to 20 minutes of additional travel time.

Local Roadworks and Resurfacing Alerts

Beyond the major bridge works, several suburbs will see localized traffic impacts due to the annual road resurfacing program. Residents and visitors should note the following scheduled lane closures for Saturday:

• Macarthur: Lane closures will be in effect on Coyne Street (between Jackie Howe Crescent and Isabella Drive) and Jackie Howe Crescent (from Carson Street to Starritt Place) between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm.
• Throsby: Bettong Avenue will experience lane closures between Kunapalari Street and Cricket Street from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.
• Barton Highway: Night works are scheduled between Bellenden Street and Gundaroo Drive, with lane closures starting from 7:00 pm.
• Yarralumla: Alexandrina Drive will have lane closures between Weston Park Road and Novar Street from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

Ongoing upgrades to the Monaro Highway also continue, with traffic switched to the eastern side of the new Dog Trap Creek Bridge near the Lanyon Drive intersection. Reduced speed limits remain in force along Athllon Drive and Sulwood Drive for utility and safety barrier installations.

Public Transport and Valentine's Day Travel

Transport Canberra has implemented a 'construction' bus network to manage the long-term impacts of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal. Passengers should note that bus routes normally traversing the bridge are currently diverted. For those heading out for Valentine's Day celebrations this evening, a free travel trial is in effect. All bus and light rail services will be free of charge from 6:00 pm tonight, Saturday 14 February, until the final service of the evening. This initiative aims to support the local night-time economy and provides a safe, cost-effective alternative to driving into the busy city center.