Official Notice: Major Service Transitions and Infrastructure Projects Commencing Monday, 2 February

Public Transport and Traffic Alert

Effective Monday, 2 February 2026, the ACT Government has implemented a significant update to the Canberra bus network and timetable. This transition coincides with the commencement of the school term and is designed to manage the traffic impacts of the ongoing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal project. Residents should be aware that all Rapid bus services will now operate at a 15-minute frequency throughout the day until 7:30 pm. Specific changes include the extension of Rapid 5 services into Belconnen to link Lanyon and Belconnen, and the introduction of new local routes 12 and 13 to maintain coverage in suburban Belconnen following adjustments to the R2 and R3 lines.

Commuters are advised that the single-span closure of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is expected to cause notable delays. Traffic modelling suggests travel times may increase by approximately 13 minutes for southbound journeys during the morning peak and 7 minutes during the afternoon peak. To assist with flow, a dedicated bus and emergency services priority lane has been established northbound across the bridge into the city center.

Roadworks and Infrastructure Maintenance

Several critical maintenance projects are scheduled for Monday, 2 February. The intersection of Northbourne Avenue and Alinga Street, which has undergone extensive upgrades, is scheduled to fully reopen to all traffic from 5:00 am. However, local road repairs continue in other sectors:

• Monaro Highway: Lane closures will be in effect from the Royalla solar farm to Johnson Drive between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm for essential road resurfacing.
• Anembo and Goyder Streets: Lane closures are scheduled from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm to facilitate asphalt patching and pavement preservation.
• Mugga Lane Resource Management Centre: Evening pavement resurfacing continues outside of operating hours.

Parks, Environment, and Health Advisories

The ACT Parks and Conservation Service will begin the demolition of the former Tidbinbilla visitor centre building on Monday. While the temporary visitor centre remains open, visitors may experience minor traffic impacts near the site. Additionally, invasive species management is active this week, with crews conducting African lovegrass spraying at Mount Taylor Nature Reserve and cactus control at the Rob Roy and Urambi Hills reserves.

Public health warnings remain in place for local waterways. Yerra Beach and the swimming area at Tuggeranong Town Park are currently closed to primary contact due to elevated bacteria levels detected during recent water quality monitoring. Residents are urged to avoid swimming in these areas until further notice.

Following recent severe weather patterns, the community is reminded to follow standard heat safety protocols during outdoor activities. Ensure adequate hydration and plan strenuous maintenance or exercise for the cooler morning or evening periods to mitigate the effects of heat-related stress.