New vision of proposed light rail Stage 2B details redevelopment of major Canberra roundabout
Releasing its draft environmental impact statement (EIS), the government unveiled vision showing how it would connect the light rail, which begins in Gungahlin, to the city centre, across Lake Burley Griffin and on to Woden.
The vision shows how the roundabout connecting Woden to Yarra Glen will be transformed into a major intersection to allow the light rail to continue on.
It also shows the line travelling around Parliament House via a tunnel.
The government said its EIS was an assessment of two alignments — State Circle East and National Triangle Barton — based on studies and technical reports.
State Circle East, the government's preferred option, is considered to be more direct and extends from Commonwealth Avenue, along State Circle, and onto Adelaide Avenue.
National Triangle Barton would travel from Commonwealth Avenue, along King George Terrace, Macquarie Street, Bligh Street, National Circuit, and Sydney Avenue.
"Following extensive community and stakeholder consultation in 2024, the draft EIS offers another important opportunity for the community to provide feedback on Stage 2B as the environmental and planning approvals progress for the project."
Key new details revealed in the vision show how the roundabout at Woden will be developed.
The plans show traffic lights will be installed at the intersection to allow passage of vehicles into Woden and on to Yamba Drive, while the light rail passes through the centre.
Southbound traffic will be directed onto Yamba Drive, with commuters entering an intersection if they wish to continue on to Melrose Drive.
Northbound traffic from Yamba Drive will need to stop at traffic lights to continue on to Yarra Glen.
Other modifications include improved lighting, a new pedestrian bridge and relocated "active travel path" near the Phillip Oval stop.
The flyover vision also shows the planned tunnel, which would be constructed close to Parliament House, before re-emerging onto State Circle.
Last year, the government said the short tunnel under Commonwealth Avenue could address engineering challenges posed by a tight bend in its preferred route for light rail to Woden.
Under the proposal, the track would descend into a cut-and-cover tunnel from the Commonwealth Avenue median near Parliament, before passing under Commonwealth Avenue to emerge on State Circle.
The government is calling on the public for feedback on the plans, which will be exhibited until September 5, 2025.
In person drop in sessions are available and all submissions will be considered and responded to by Infrastructure Canberra.
Construction on stage 2B is expected to commence in 2028, with the federal government last year committing $50 million to the project.
The current proposal has not yet been costed, but it's estimated to reach completion by 2033.
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