Canberra drivers and commuters are facing significant travel disruptions as the iconic Commonwealth Avenue Bridge prepares to close for up to twelve months starting early next year.
Major Bridge Upgrade Timeline
Northbound lanes on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will shut down completely from Wednesday, January 7, 2026, weather permitting, according to the National Capital Authority. This marks the most substantial upgrade work since the bridge first opened to traffic back in 1963.
The extensive project involves strengthening the bridge structure and widening shared pathways to accommodate Canberra's growing population and increasing traffic volumes. Both vehicle lanes and the shared path on the northbound span will be fully closed throughout the construction period.
Alternative Routes and Traffic Changes
During the closure period, traffic arrangements will undergo significant changes. The southbound span will be reconfigured to accommodate both directions of travel with two northbound lanes and one southbound lane.
General traffic heading northbound toward the city will merge into a single lane near Albert Hall before crossing onto the southbound span using newly constructed crossover lanes. Meanwhile, southbound traffic toward Parliament House will also merge into one lane after Albert Street.
The Flynn Drive on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue northbound will close to general traffic, with detours redirecting vehicles via Coronation Drive. Shared paths will be diverted to the southbound side of the bridge, and a dedicated bus and emergency services priority lane will be established.
Impact on Public Transport and Commuters
The ACT government has previously warned that these works will create "cascading and unavoidable" impacts on Canberra's bus network, potentially forcing reductions in weekday services. Transport Canberra is expected to provide detailed information about public transport changes in the coming weeks.
An NCA spokesperson acknowledged the significant disruption these works will cause, particularly when combined with other construction projects happening simultaneously across the ACT. They encouraged all road users to consider alternative travel options and plan ahead for their daily commutes.
Preliminary works are already underway, including the removal of two sets of flagpoles along Commonwealth Avenue and construction of temporary crossover lanes at both ends of the bridge. These preparatory measures remain on track for completion before the end of 2025.
The Commonwealth Avenue Bridge closure represents one of the most substantial infrastructure disruptions Canberra has faced in recent years, affecting thousands of daily commuters who rely on this key arterial route across Lake Burley Griffin.
