Major Bridge Works Ahead: What City Congestion Means for Bike Riders
Roadworks north of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge
Mike Watson, Advocacy Coordinator
The Next Big Disruption
If you’ve been riding through the City recently, you’ve already survived a year of roadworks and delays from the Raising London Circuit project. The good news is that the southern half now looks fantastic. The bad news? The next big job is about to begin, and it’s going to make the last year look easy.
Over the next two years, the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will undergo major structural upgrades. It’s actually two bridges side by side, and while they’re still sound, decades of heavy traffic have taken their toll. Rather than a full rebuild, engineers will strengthen and widen both bridges — doubling the width of the pedestrian and cycling paths.
Once complete, a new light rail bridge will be built between the two road bridges.
When It’s Happening
Late 2025 – Setup and Closures
From November 2025, site preparation begins.
From 17 November, the right-hand lanes in both directions on the bridge will be closed.
2026: Northbound Bridge Closed
For all of 2026, the west (northbound) bridge will become a construction site.
No vehicles, bikes, or pedestrians will be permitted on this side.
All northbound traffic will move to the centre lane of the southbound bridge.
The east (southbound) path will carry all bikes and pedestrians.
2027: Southbound Bridge Closed
In 2027, the east (southbound) bridge will close for work.
All southbound traffic will be redirected to the west (northbound) bridge.
Riders and pedestrians will use the newly widened western path.
2028: Light Rail Bridge Construction
Once both road bridges are complete, construction will begin on the new light rail bridge between them.
Smart Riding Tips During Construction
To help you stay safe and minimise frustration while work is underway:
1. Use the East Path (2026)
During 2026, all cyclists should use the east (southbound) shared path.
Access it easily from Flynn Drive (under the bridge).
Avoid continuing north on the east side of Commonwealth Avenue past the Albert Street crossing — the path there is too narrow and runs beside oncoming traffic.
2. Crossing Safely
The Albert Street pedestrian crossing is your friend.
Cross here to access either the Parkes Way footbridge to Marcus Clarke Street or to continue north into the City.
If you’d rather not stop at the lights, take a right onto Albert Street, then left into Regatta Place — follow the path over the Parkes Way footbridge to Allara Street.
3. Explore New City Routes
Once you reach London Circuit, check out the new bike paths; they’re wider, smoother, and connect directly into the City’s network.
The east side of the bridge provides the most consistent access during 2026; the west side will take over in 2027 once reopened.
4. Plan Ahead for Closures
Check Pedal Power updates before heading into the City. Weekend closures will be common through late 2025 and early 2026.
Consider adjusting your commute times or using quieter alternative routes such as Parkes Way footbridges or the lake paths around Commonwealth Park.
5. Stay Visible and Equipped
Carry lights for early mornings or evening commutes; sections of the bridge may have temporary lighting.
Expect narrower paths, mixed traffic, and construction vehicles. Stay alert, signal clearly, and ride patiently.
Upcoming Closures and Key Dates
November – December 2025
14–17 November: Northbourne Avenue (northbound) closed between Mouat and Swinden Streets for light rail power works.
Off-road paths remain open.
21–24 November: Edinburgh Ave/London Circuit intersection closed.
21-24 November AND 28 November-01 December AND 05-08 December 2025 There will be no rail service between Alinga Street and Sandford St (the bottom end of Mitchell). A shuttle bus will replace the rail service between Alinga Street and Well Station Drive (the top end of Mitchell). There will not be bike racks on the shuttle buses, so you will not be able to get your bike carried between Well Station Drive and Alinga Street as you ride on the shuttle bus.
Nov–Dec (daytime): Commonwealth Avenue narrowed to one car and one bike lane between London Circuit and Albert Street — expect delays.
5–8 December 2025
Full closure of both Parkes Way lanes and the northbound side of Commonwealth Avenue.
Use the Parkes Way pedestrian bridges east or west instead.
Other City Centre Works
Northbourne Avenue (Vernon to London Circuit): one car lane and one bike lane until 2028 due to construction.
Lyric Theatre development: between the Canberra Theatre and Vernon Circuit. Access via Theatre Lane (while open).
Garema Place and City Walk: under redevelopment, still passable, but space is tight. Please share paths courteously.
Looking Ahead
Canberra’s city centre will remain a construction zone for the next few years, but the end result will be worth it: wider bike paths, safer crossings, and stronger connections between the City and Lake Burley Griffin.
Until then, plan ahead, stay patient and remember, sometimes the best way through the gridlock is still on two wheels.
