Canberra Congestion and Bridge Works Add Pressure to Daily Travel for Residents

Canberra's average annual traffic congestion level reached 33.6 per cent, 1.4 percentage points higher than in 2024, while rush hour average speeds fell to 30.5 km/h. These figures show how road conditions are changing for residents who travel across the city each day for work and other commitments.

Why the changes matter for daily life

Many Canberra residents depend on the road network to reach jobs in the public service and other sectors. Longer delays reduce time available for family, errands and rest. Transport Canberra operates the bus and light rail services that form the main alternative when roads slow down, using the MyWay+ payment system and real-time journey planning tools to help people adjust routes.

Construction effects on key routes

Significant traffic delays and bus diversions are occurring because of the National Capital Authority's Commonwealth Avenue Bridge closure and ongoing light rail Stage 2A construction in the City Centre. Southbound delays near the bridge are averaging around 9 minutes, below the 13-minute model, while northbound delays have increased by an extra 2 minutes compared with expectations. These disruptions affect travel between northern and southern parts of the city.

Public transport response

An updated construction bus network is running to keep services reliable during the bridge renewal. Transport Canberra continues to provide buses and light rail across the network, allowing residents to shift from cars where possible. Timetable improvements are planned for the second half of 2026.

Practical steps for residents

People can check real-time journey planning tools before travel and consider the construction bus network when routes are affected. These options help manage the current conditions while work continues on the bridge and light rail project.