Public Notice: Balloon Spectacular Updates and Major Infrastructure Disruptions

City Events and Public Safety

The 2026 Canberra Balloon Spectacular continues today at the Patrick White Lawns in Parkes. For Friday, 20 March, attendees are advised that the official flight status is weather-dependent. Daily announcements regarding balloon launches are made at 6:00 am via official event channels. Spectators are encouraged to arrive early, as inflation typically begins shortly after dawn, with the special-shape guest balloon, Finley the Turtle, expected to be a highlight of the morning display. Food and drink vendors remain open on-site from 6:00 am to 9:30 am.

Road and Transport Disruptions

Significant traffic changes are in effect across the city center today due to Light Rail Stage 2A construction and bridge renewal projects. Motorists should plan for the following impacts:

• Commonwealth Avenue: Northbound lanes between Albert Street (west) and Parkes Way will be reduced to a single lane until 5:00 am this morning. A second period of lane reductions will begin at 8:00 pm tonight and persist through the weekend. Additionally, a short section of Commonwealth Avenue southbound near Parkes Way remains reduced to one lane for essential bridge deck works.
• Parkes Way: The westbound off-ramp onto Commonwealth Avenue (southbound) is scheduled for closure from 10:00 pm Thursday until 4:00 am this morning. Detours are in place via London Circuit.
• Bunda Street: A total closure remains in effect between Genge Street and Scotts Crossing until mid-April. Local diversions are signed.
• Majura Road: Upgrades to the intersection of Majura Road and Fairbairn Avenue continue, with temporary closures and diversions active through early April.
• Barrine Drive: A 200-meter section beneath the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is reduced to one lane today between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm. Stop-and-go traffic management is in operation.

Community Maintenance and Environment

The ACT Government has initiated a scheduled maintenance block for the city's recreational spaces. Most government-managed turf sportsgrounds are now closed for a two-week period, which commenced on Wednesday, 18 March. This closure is necessary to prepare the grounds for the upcoming winter sports season. In Belconnen, path network improvements on Kuringa Drive are ongoing, and road safety works have commenced on Knox Street in Watson. Residents in these areas should follow all local pedestrian detours.

Public Health and Waterways

ACT Health and City Services have issued a standing advisory regarding water quality in several local swimming spots. High levels of bacteria have been detected following recent environmental conditions. The following locations remain closed to primary contact and swimming until further notice:

• Bargang Beach
• Bimbi Beach
• Yerra Beach
• Dulwa Beach
• Nengi Bamir Beach

Lake users are also reminded that southern spans 1 and 2 of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge are closed to all lake traffic to facilitate barge-based construction activities.