The first track for Light Rail Stage 2A has been laid in Canberra, marking a milestone just under a year after work began to extend the network to Commonwealth Park.
The ACT Government released photographs and video of the work, confirming that light rail services between Alinga Street and Sandford Street will return to normal from January 24. However, temporary platform arrangements at the city bus interchange will remain until February 1.
Construction crews installed the new track at the Alinga Street and Northbourne Avenue intersection as part of a month-long construction effort to connect the current network with the 1.7-kilometre extension. Stage 2A has also involved relocating and upgrading underground utilities on Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit.
The government states this project is a significant transformation for the city center, aimed at creating a more connected and liveable Canberra. Utility upgrade works are nearing completion, and Northbourne Avenue works are in their final stages, though the road will not reopen to traffic for some months.
Future trackwork is scheduled for London Circuit West and Commonwealth Avenue. This year's plans also include constructing light rail stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South, and Commonwealth Park. Installation of "green track," using turf and groundcover, will begin later in the year on London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue to integrate the track with the landscape and mitigate noise and dust.
Additional infrastructure, such as new traffic signals, street lighting, retaining walls, paving, asphalting, and landscaping, will complement the extension. Once completed and commissioned, Stage 2A will improve commuter access to City West, the ANU, New Acton, Commonwealth Park, and Lake Burley Griffin.
Testing and commissioning will follow construction, with the first passenger services to the new city stops planned for 2028. The light rail fleet is also being prepared for wire-free operation between Alinga Street and Commonwealth Park. Five Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) have been upgraded with on-board energy storage systems (OESS) for wire-free travel, with 14 more to be retrofitted. Five new LRVs are pre-fitted with OESS units, and four are already in service.
ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr indicated the government is fulfilling commitments to public transport improvements, new facilities, and revitalizing city center infrastructure. He stated that extending light rail is a key part of this plan, alongside projects like the Lyric Theatre and Canberra Aquatic Centre.
Transport Minister Chris Steel confirmed Stage 2A remains on schedule for operational services to Commonwealth Park by 2028. He acknowledged community patience during the construction and use of bus replacement services. Steel noted that the project is part of a broader vision to enhance Canberra's CBD for future generations by improving public transport access to homes, workplaces, businesses, health services, education, and recreation opportunities.