Light Rail to Woden Stage 2A reaches new construction milestone

Development of the Canberra’s Light Rail Stage 2A is progressing well with the first sections of tracks already installed. 

Crews laid the new tracks at the Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue intersection as part of a month-long construction blitz to connect the existing network with the 1.7-kilometre extension to Commonwealth Park. 

With utility upgrades almost complete and works at Northbourne Avenue reaching the final stages, crews will turn their attention to track works across London Circuit West and Commonwealth Avenue. 

Construction of light rail stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park as well as the installation of “green track” on London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue will get underway this year. 

The “green track” will have sections of turf, groundcover and succulent species to help the track blend into the surrounding landscape while reducing glare, noise, dust, and absorbing rainwater. 

Other works being carried out include installation of new traffic signals, street lighting and retaining walls, paving, asphalting and landscaping to complement the light rail extension. 

Construction of Stage 2A will continue throughout 2026 ahead of testing and commissioning. The first passenger service to the new city stops is on track to begin in 2028. 

“We are delivering on our commitments to improve public transport, build new facilities and revitalise ageing infrastructure in the city centre. 

“Extending light rail is a key part of this plan, along with the new lyric theatre, the Canberra Aquatic Centre and the University of NSW Canberra city campus. 

“These are once in a generation investments that will make our city centre more accessible and create jobs and economic activity,” ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. 

“Seeing the first tracks laid is an exciting milestone that brings us one step closer to a more connected and accessible city for all Canberrans. 

“This project is a fantastic example of the ACT and Commonwealth governments working together to deliver the modern infrastructure our growing community deserves,” Member for Canberra Alicia Payne said. 

Light Rail to Woden Stage 2A is one of several major projects being delivered to revitalise and reshape how Canberrans move around and experience the city. This project is also part of the biggest transformation of the city centre, modernising it and setting Canberra up as a more connected, liveable city for decades to come. 

Once complete, the light rail extension will provide better access to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park and Lake Burley Griffin. 

The $577 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments. 

“The installation of new rail, south of the Alinga Street tram stop, shows progress on Canberra’s next stage of light rail is tracking well. 

“There’s more than 4 million trips on Canberra’s light rail every year, and the Albanese and Barr Labor Government’s $577 million investment in Stage 2A is extending the light rail to even more of Canberra and setting the city up for the future,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

“The laying of tracks is a significant milestone for the project, which remains on schedule to deliver operational light rail services to Commonwealth Park in 2028. 

“I’d like to thank the community for their patience during the construction blitz and use of bus replacement services. 

“Some further construction work will be required on Northbourne Avenue over the coming months, and we will keep the community updated. 

“While this work is disruptive now, it is part of a wider vision to improve Canberra’s CBD for generations to come. 

“By improving public transport from the city to the lake, the project will provide better access to homes, workplaces, businesses, health services, education and recreation opportunities, including the ANU, the lake, City West and New Acton,” ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; ACT Government – Media Releases; ACT Government – Light Rail to Woden