The National Capital Authority (NCA) has begun taking feedback on the aesthetics, accessibility and conformity to Walter Burley Griffin's 1918 plan for the next stage of light rail from Canberra's city to Commonwealth Park.
Today, newly released plans available for public feedback reveal more about how the next stage of the network will look, including details about tracks, public stops and associated landscaping.
The federal and ACT governments are both working to deliver stage 2A of Canberra's light rail network, which is the biggest infrastructure project in the capital's history.
The NCA has previously approved the raising of London Circuit, which is currently underway, and the ACT government indicated that work on stage 2A would begin soon afterwards, assuming planning approvals and procurement processes had been completed.
The proposed stage 2A includes 1.7 kilometres of wire-free track with three new stops at Edinburgh Avenue, City South and Commonwealth Park.
Stage 2A is also the first step in extending the network towards Woden in Canberra's south.
'A wide tree-lined boulevard'
If approved as it is currently planned, stage 2A will see two new intersection traffic lights added on London Circuit at West Row and University Avenue to act as pedestrian and cyclist crossings.
Protected cycleways would also be built on the newly-designed intersections of London Circuit and Northbourne Avenue, as well as on Commonwealth Avenue and another London Circuit intersection.
The plans reveal there would also be in-ground pedestrian lights to alert people when they are crossing light rail tracks.
To differentiate from the road, there would be "a cobbled median" on London Circuit West, and a new inset bridge for the light rail constructed over Parkes Way between the two current Commonwealth Avenue bridges.
But the territory and federal governments say the historic character of Commonwealth Avenue will be preserved, with proposed pin oak plantings in the median to maintain "a wide tree-lined boulevard".
The plans also include grass track sections on parts of Northbourne Avenue, London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue.
'Meet the needs of our city in the decades ahead'
ACT Minister for Transport Chris Steel said stage 2A would "establish Canberra's north-south mass transit public transport spine".
"With the ACT growing faster than any other jurisdiction in the country it is critical that we build this infrastructure now to meet the needs of our city in the decades ahead," he said.
"The construction of light rail stage 2A will revitalise the southern section of the CBD and improve connections between the city and the lake for pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
"As we get on with stage 2A, planning will continue on the future stage to Woden that will link with national institutions, tourist attractions and large employment centres in our city's south."
Public comment on the designs for stage 2A will be open until May 11.
