Multicultural Festival and Major Ramp Closures to Impact Canberra Commutes

Friday Morning Traffic and Transport Overview

Good morning, Canberra. As we wrap up the first week of the new school term and the inaugural week of the 'Network 26' bus timetable, commuters should prepare for a busy Friday on the roads. Today, February 6, 2026, marks the beginning of the National Multicultural Festival, which will significantly increase pedestrian activity and traffic density within the City Hill and Civic precincts throughout the day and into the evening.

Major Construction and Road Closures

The most significant disruption for motorists begins this evening. As part of the ongoing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal project, the northbound ramp from Commonwealth Avenue to Parkes Way westbound will be closed from 8:00 pm tonight, Friday, February 6, until 6:00 am Monday, February 9. This closure is essential for the installation of new water main pipes. Motorists are advised to use detours via Vernon Circle and Edinburgh Avenue. While pedestrians and cyclists can still utilize the Acton Overpass, drivers should expect heavy congestion in the City West area during the Friday afternoon peak as workers prepare the site.

Additionally, those traveling through the Molonglo Valley should be aware that Coppins Crossing Road remains under a contingency alert. While the primary concrete pour for the Molonglo River Bridge was scheduled for Thursday, any weather-related delays may see work and associated closures between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue continue throughout today.

Public Transport and Service Alerts

Commuters are reminded that the new temporary bus network is now in full effect to accommodate the halved lane capacity on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. Transport Canberra modeling indicates that the southbound morning peak remains the most affected, with average travel time increases of approximately 13 minutes. Please check the journey planner before heading out, as several routes have been adjusted to maintain a 15-minute frequency for Rapid services.

• Festival Diversions: Multiple bus stop closures and route diversions are in place around the City Interchange today to accommodate the National Multicultural Festival.
• Free Travel Perk: Remember that the night-time economy trial is active. Travel on all buses and light rail is free starting at 6:00 pm today and continuing through the weekend.
• Light Rail: Services are running to their standard high-frequency schedule, with no construction-related changes reported for the Gungahlin to City line this morning.

Regional Arteries

On the Monaro Highway, work continues on the Lanyon Drive flyover and interchange. While two lanes of traffic are being maintained during peak periods, speed restrictions remain in place near the Dog Trap Creek Bridge. Commuters heading toward Hume and Tuggeranong should allow an extra five minutes of travel time. Meanwhile, initial duplication works on William Hovell Drive have commenced; keep an eye out for fresh signage and changed lane conditions near the Glenloch Interchange.