Preliminary construction works have commenced on significant renewal works to the ACT’s Commonwealth Avenue Bridge ahead of main construction in January.
The $137.5 million project, by the National Capital Authority (NCA), involves strengthening of the central Canberra bridge, including replacement of existing bearings and reinforcement with high-strength concrete and cabling.
Shared paths along the bridge will be widened from the existing 2.4 metres to 5 metres, with connecting paths and replacement of existing stairs. New viewing platforms will be located at each of the four end pylons plus new lighting and landscaping will be done.
Spanning Lake Burley Griffin, the dual carriageway with parallel structures is a major transport route between the northern and southern districts of the city. Seymour Whyte Constructions was awarded the design and construct contract earlier in 2025.
The 311-metre-long Commonwealth Avenue Bridge was constructed between 1961 and 1963 with pre-stressed concrete, reinforced with steel and epoxy resin by British firm Maunsell and Partners.
Due to the innovative construction of the time and “remarkable engineering design”, according to the NCA, the bridge has not undergone any significant maintenance works for more than 60 years.
The preparatory activities are expected to be complete mid-December and the main construction will commence in January 2026. Construction will be completed in two main stages, one carriageway at a time, and are expected to be completed by late 2027.
Image: artist’s impression of completed project. Source: NCA
About the author
Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com