Morning Balloon Launches and Significant Road Resealing to Impact Sunday Traffic

Sunday Traffic Overview

Good morning, Canberra. For today, Sunday, March 15, 2026, commuters and residents should prepare for a combination of event-related closures and essential road maintenance. While Sunday traffic is typically lighter, the ongoing Canberra Balloon Spectacular and major resurfacing projects in the Woden and Weston Creek areas will require motorists to plan their routes carefully.

Canberra Balloon Spectacular Closures

The annual Canberra Balloon Spectacular continues today at the Patrick White Lawns. To ensure public safety during the early morning launches, the following traffic arrangements are in place:

• Parkes Place West: Closed in both directions between Queen Elizabeth Terrace and the Questacon car park from 5:00 am until 9:30 am.
• National Triangle: Expect significantly increased foot traffic and localized congestion around the National Library and Lake Burley Griffin as spectators arrive for the 6:00 am flight announcements.

Major Roadworks and Resealing

Several arterial and local roads will be affected by the ACT Government’s annual road maintenance program today. Please follow all detour signage and observe reduced speed limits in these zones:

• Lyons: Launceston Street is closed between Melrose Drive and Hindmarsh Drive from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for resealing. Note that buses and emergency vehicles are exempt from this closure, but all other traffic must use alternate routes.
• Weston: Heysen Street will have lane closures between Devonport Street and Hilder Street from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
• City: Bunda Street remains closed between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing for long-term upgrade works. This closure is in effect 24/7.
• Commonwealth Avenue Bridge: Ongoing renewal works continue with partial bridge closures and a single-lane restriction on Barrine Drive beneath the bridge between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm.

Public Transport and Evening Alerts

Transport Canberra is operating on a standard Sunday timetable today. Commuters using the bus network should be aware that Route 56 is subject to nightly diversions due to precinct works. Additionally, for those traveling late this evening, night works will begin at 8:00 pm at the intersection of Limestone Avenue, Ipima Street, and Cowper Street, as well as on Gladstone Street in Fyshwick. These works involve lane closures and are expected to continue until the early hours of Monday morning.

Commuter Advice

If you are heading to the city for breakfast or the balloon launches, consider using the light rail or Park and Ride facilities to avoid parking delays. For those traveling through Lyons or Weston, allow an additional 10 to 15 minutes of travel time to account for resealing detours.