This 310 metre bridge (Commonwealth Avenue Bridge) was built in 1963 and spans Lake Burley Griffin providing a major thoroughfare between north and south Canberra.

At the moment it is undergoing major reconstruction and there is much debate over the reason for this. Here is the official spiel…

The National Capital Authority is undertaking major renewal works of Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. The project involves bridge strengthening and widening of the shared paths to cater to Canberra’s long-term transport needs while maintaining the bridge’s heritage value.

Please note these works are not connected with any light rail projects. 

—Source.

Interesting. A new light rail track is also being laid simultaneously…..it approaches the bridge confidently….and then appears to just stop short of going over it. Literally, right at the base.

Anyway, whatever the reason, the northbound section of the bridge has been closed for a while now funnelling all the traffic into two lanes on the other side.

The work on this side of the bridge should finish early next year, at which time they will close the other side and repeat. Project completion date is estimated at early 2028.

By which time that light rail track will be busting to get over it.