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Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Project to Begin, Causing Two Years of Traffic Changes

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Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal Works Commence

Renewal works on the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge are scheduled to commence on Tuesday, initiating a two-year period of traffic modifications. The project involves strengthening the bridge structure and widening shared pedestrian and cycling paths.

Project Scope and Phasing

This extensive work requires the closure of one bridge span for approximately one year at a time. The first phase, beginning this week, will involve the northbound span. Temporary crossover lanes, designed to reroute traffic onto the operational side of the bridge during closures, have been completed.

Prior to the full span closure, permanent bollards to separate northbound and southbound lanes, along with new signage and line markings, are scheduled for installation. The National Capital Authority (NCA) anticipates this preparatory work will take approximately three days. Consequently, the northbound span is projected to close from Thursday, subject to weather conditions.

Scheduled Traffic Changes

Specific traffic alterations are detailed as follows:

  • Tuesday (6:45 AM - 5:00 PM): The Flynn Drive on-ramp to the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be closed to general traffic, with access restricted to Transport Canberra vehicles only.

  • Tuesday (10:00 AM) - Wednesday (3:30 PM): Southbound traffic will be reduced to a single lane and directed to the far-right lane adjacent to the median. All three northbound lanes and both shared paths will remain open.

  • Wednesday (3:30 PM) - Thursday (6:00 AM): Southbound traffic will utilize a single lane, positioned in the far-left lane nearest the shared path. This southbound traffic configuration is scheduled to persist for the duration of Stage 1. All three northbound lanes and both shared paths will continue to be accessible.

  • After Thursday (6:00 AM): The Flynn Drive on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue Bridge will be closed to general traffic for the remainder of Stage 1, with exceptions for Transport Canberra vehicles.

  • Thursday (6:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Northbound traffic, including buses, will be restricted to a single lane on the northbound bridge, operating in the far-left lane closest to the shared path. The shared path on the northbound side of the bridge will be closed for the duration of Stage 1.

  • Thursday (1:00 PM - 3:00 PM): All northbound traffic will be redirected onto the southbound bridge, utilizing the middle general traffic lane via the temporary crossover lane. The northbound bus and emergency services priority lane will remain closed until its scheduled opening at 3:00 PM.

Impacts and Guidance

The NCA advises road users to allocate additional travel time, consider adjusting travel to off-peak periods, or explore alternative transportation methods. Bus services will experience alterations, and Transport Canberra is scheduled to release a revised timetable effective February 2, coinciding with the commencement of the school term.

The NCA stated that the road network will undergo monitoring, and the authority will collaborate with the ACT Government to provide regular updates regarding impacts and alternative routes. The NCA acknowledged that the works are anticipated to cause disruption and affirmed a commitment to completing them efficiently and safely.

Lake users will also be impacted. The majority of the construction activities will occur within the bridge deck or beneath the bridge, conducted from barges. Segments of the lake located beneath the bridge are slated for gradual closure as the project advances. Specific schedules will be disseminated on the project's official page and communicated directly to the Lake User Group as they become available.