Alignment locked in for light rail extension to Woden

Media Release: Chris Steel MLA, 4 May 2026

The ACT Government has today confirmed the State Circle East alignment for Light Rail Stage 2B: Commonwealth Park to Woden.

This decision follows extensive consultation with ACT community and Commonwealth stakeholders on the project’s draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

The draft EIS for the project considered both the ACT Government’s preferred State Circle East alignment through the National Triangle and an alternative National Triangle-Barton alignment in order to de-risk the project’s progression through environmental approvals.

Consideration of the project’s concept design, environmental and social benefits and impacts, and consultation comments through the draft EIS process backed in the Governments preference for the State Circle East alignment.

The Stage 2B extension will run from Commonwealth Avenue through the National Triangle, along the east of State Circle to Adelaide Avenue, and then on to Woden. This alignment will add nine new stops to our mass transit network which will be close to key business, residential and cultural destinations on the southside of Canberra.

The State Circle East alignment features a direct and efficient route between the City and Woden and is consistent with the National Capital Plan’s Inter-Town Public Transport System, providing a clear approvals pathway for the project.

More than 230 submissions were received on the draft EIS as part of the public exhibition from July to September 2025, alongside around 250 people attending the drop-in sessions held by Infrastructure Canberra to engage with the project team and subject matter experts, and over 10,000 visits to the digital EIS platform.

This feedback has fed into refinements to the project design which will be taken through to the final EIS. This includes an “inner running” arrangement on State Circle, between Sydney Avenue and Adeliade Avenue, to help reduce disruption to the road network, residents, and businesses.

The ACT Government has listened to community feedback regarding the Traction Power Substation originally proposed to be located in Yarralumla and can confirm a revised location proposed in Denison Street, Deakin will now be progressed.

The revised, final EIS will be lodged with the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, and the Territory Planning Authority next month, with an outcome expected by the end of this year.

More information is available at act.gov.au/builtforcbr.

Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport, Chris Steel MLA:

“Light Rail Stage 2B is one of the most complex infrastructure projects ever planned in the Territory but is necessary to connect the North and South of our growing city with mass-transit.

“The Commonwealth Avenue/State Circle East alignment is the most direct route to Woden, whilst still providing good access to the major employment centre in Parkes and Barton.

“The design will not only ensure that we have a high quality public transport but unlock well-located housing in walkable neighbourhoods through access to new light rail stop and active travel infrastructure.

“Thank you to everyone who provided feedback and engaged with the project over the past two years. This has helped to shape the final EIS and ensure Stage 2B delivers the best outcomes for Canberra, now and for generations to come.

“Whilst the planning and approvals process, particularly through the National Triangle, has presented challenges and required coordination across ACT and Commonwealth agencies, this is important milestone for Stage 2B.”