ACT Confirms Preferred Route for Woden Light Rail Extension

The ACT Government has confirmed the State Circle East route as the preferred alignment for Light Rail Stage 2B, marking a significant milestone in the project to extend Canberra's light rail network from Commonwealth Park to Woden.

The decision follows extensive community and stakeholder consultation undertaken as part of the project's draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process.

Both the Government's preferred State Circle East option and an alternative National Triangle-Barton route were assessed during the draft EIS to support environmental approvals and project planning. Following detailed analysis of the concept design, environmental and social impacts, and community feedback, the State Circle East alignment was selected as the preferred path forward.

The approved route will travel from Commonwealth Avenue through the National Triangle, continue along the eastern side of State Circle to Adelaide Avenue, and then extend to Woden. The project will deliver nine additional stops, improving connections to key residential, business and cultural precincts across Canberra's southside.

According to the ACT Government, the State Circle East alignment offers the most direct and efficient connection between the City and Woden while aligning with the National Capital Plan's Inter-Town Public Transport System, providing a clearer pathway for approvals.

Community consultation on the draft EIS attracted more than 230 public submissions during the exhibition period between July and September 2025. Around 250 people attended community drop-in sessions hosted by Infrastructure Canberra, while the online EIS platform recorded more than 10,000 visits.

Feedback gathered through the consultation process has resulted in several refinements to the project design ahead of the final EIS submission. Among the changes is an "inner running" configuration along State Circle between Sydney Avenue and Adelaide Avenue, aimed at minimising disruption to traffic, nearby residents and local businesses.

The Government also confirmed it has responded to concerns about the proposed Traction Power Substation originally planned for Yarralumla. A revised location in Denison Street, Deakin will now be pursued instead.

The final EIS is scheduled to be submitted next month to the Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, as well as the Territory Planning Authority. A final outcome on approvals is expected before the end of the year.

ACT Transport Minister Chris Steel said the project represented one of the Territory's most complex infrastructure undertakings but was essential to connecting Canberra's growing north and south through a modern mass-transit system.

Mr Steel said the selected alignment would provide the most direct route to Woden while still maintaining strong access to major employment hubs in Parkes and Barton. He added the project would also support the delivery of well-connected housing and more walkable neighbourhoods around future light rail stops.

He thanked community members and stakeholders for their feedback throughout the consultation process, saying it had helped refine the project and shape the final EIS.