Major Sunday Delays Expected as Balloon Spectacular Finale and Bridge Works Impact Traffic

Central Canberra: Balloon Spectacular and National Triangle Closures

Today, Sunday, 22 March 2026, marks the final morning of the Canberra Balloon Spectacular. Commuters and attendees should expect significant traffic management measures in the National Triangle until late morning. From 5:45 am to 9:45 am, Parkes Place West is closed at the intersection of King Edward Terrace. Additionally, Queen Elizabeth Terrace is completely closed to through traffic between Parkes Place East and Parkes Place West. Parking within the precinct is under high demand; authorities have recommended avoiding the National Library of Australia car parks to prevent gridlock. For those heading to the event, active travel via e-scooter or walking from the city center is advised to bypass the congestion.

Major Lane Reductions on Commonwealth Avenue

The Light Rail Stage 2A and Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal projects are entering a critical phase this weekend. A major lane reduction is currently in effect for the northbound lanes of Commonwealth Avenue. Between Albert Street (West) and Parkes Way, traffic has been restricted to a single lane. This restriction will remain in place until 5:00 am on Monday morning. Motorists are experiencing slower travel times across the bridge, with some delays extending up to 15 minutes during peak periods. In addition to the northbound restrictions, a short section of Commonwealth Avenue southbound near Parkes Way remains reduced to one lane as part of ongoing bridge deck construction. Drivers are encouraged to use the Kings Avenue Bridge as a primary alternative to avoid these bottlenecks.

Regional Traffic Hotspots: Mitchell and Hume

On the northside, heavy traffic is expected around Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) for the final day of the Handmade Canberra Market. Flemington Road and the Federal Highway intersection may experience significant build-up between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. On the southside, the Monaro Highway Upgrade continues to affect movement through Hume. Pavement construction is active near the Lanyon Drive intersection, where temporary traffic lights are managing northbound flow. Please allow for intermittent stops and reduced speed limits in this work zone.

Public Transport and Bus Service Changes

Transport Canberra is operating on a standard Sunday timetable today, but several service diversions are in place. Bus routes passing through the city and Parkes are being diverted to accommodate the Canberra Craft Beer and Cider Festival. Additionally, passengers in the Tuggeranong region should note that bus stop 1279 remains closed for maintenance through the end of the month. While the light rail is running at its usual 15-minute Sunday frequency, passengers should be aware that buses using the Commonwealth Avenue corridor are subject to the same lane-reduction delays as private vehicles. Plan your journey ahead by checking the latest network maps and allowing an extra 10 to 20 minutes for cross-city travel.