Essential upgrade works for Commonwealth Avenue Bridge to begin soon

The Australian Government, through the National Capital Authority, will start major renewal works on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge in the coming weeks.

First announced in 2021, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project involves bridge strengthening and widening of the shared paths to cater to Canberra’s growing population and increasing traffic volumes.

These are the most significant upgrades to the bridge since it opened to traffic in 1963.

Ahead of the main bridge construction period, preliminary works will be carried out. These include: 

• establishment of a site compound within the Flynn Drive cloverleaf
• removal of the two sets of flagpoles along Commonwealth Avenue
• construction of temporary crossover lanes in the medians either end of the bridge.

Access across both sides of the bridge will be maintained during these preliminary works however there will be lane closures in place. Sections of Commonwealth Avenue and the whole of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be reduced to two lanes in both directions for the duration of the preliminary works, with additional lane closures in off-peak hours as required. Lane closures are expected to begin in mid-November 2025 (weather permitting).

To safely complete the main construction works on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, it is necessary to close each side of the bridge for around 12 months per side. The first side to close will be the western side (northbound lanes). This is expected to close from January 2026.

Traffic management plans are being finalised to support the bridge closures however Canberrans and visitors to the National Capital can expect the following changes from early January 2026: 

• full closure of the western side/northbound lanes across Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
• three lanes available on the eastern side of the bridge; two northbound lanes with one for general traffic and one bus and emergency services priority lane and one southbound lane for general traffic
• general traffic travelling northbound (towards the city) will merge into one lane near Albert Hall and move onto the eastern side of the bridge via the newly constructed crossover lane
• general traffic travelling southbound (toward Parliament House) will merge into one lane after Albert Street and continue travelling southbound
• full closure of the shared path on the western side of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge with shared path users detoured onto the eastern side.

The NCA has been working closely with the ACT Government to determine the best possible solution for managing traffic during the construction period. Further details about the arrangements, including detours for road and path users, will be available shortly.

We acknowledge there will be significant disruption and encourage everyone to consider what choices you can make to improve your commute.

The NCA is committed to providing updates to the community in the lead-up to and throughout the construction period as soon as information is available. You can sign up to receive updates straight to your inbox on our website at www.nca.gov.au/commbridge or follow us on social media.