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What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead for Canberra's Light Rail Stage 2

As the ACT government moves forward with the light rail expansion, residents and commuters are waiting to see how the project will impact their daily lives

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By Canberra News Desk · Published 5 July 2026, 5:23 am

3 min read

Updated 3 h ago· 5 July 2026, 1:21 pm

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This article was generated by AI from the linked public sources. The Daily Canberra is independently owned and covers Canberra news free from advertiser or sponsor influence. Read our editorial standards →

What Happens Next and the Key Decisions Ahead for Canberra's Light Rail Stage 2
Photo: Photo by Guohua Song on Pexels

The ACT government has announced that the light rail stage 2 project will proceed, with construction expected to begin in 2028. This decision comes after months of debate and consultation with the community, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the city's transportation network.

The light rail expansion is a crucial project for Canberra, as it will provide a much-needed upgrade to the city's public transportation system. With the population of the city expected to continue growing, the light rail will help to reduce congestion on the roads and provide a more efficient and sustainable way for people to get around. The project is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy, with the creation of new jobs and opportunities for businesses along the light rail corridor.

In Canberra, the light rail stage 2 project will affect several key areas, including the Gungahlin town centre, the Belconnen town centre, and the city centre. The project will also involve the construction of new light rail stops in several locations, including the intersection of Hibberson Street and Flemington Road in Gungahlin, and the intersection of Benjamin Way and Emu Bank in Belconnen. The Australian National University and the University of Canberra will also be impacted by the project, with new light rail stops planned for the ANU campus and the UC campus in Bruce.

Key Statistics and Data

According to the ACT government, the light rail stage 2 project is expected to cost around $1.3 billion, with the majority of the funding coming from the federal government. The project is expected to create over 1,000 jobs during the construction phase, and it will provide a significant boost to the local economy. The light rail is also expected to reduce congestion on the roads, with a predicted reduction of over 10,000 cars per day on the roads. The project is expected to be completed by 2032, with the first stage of the light rail opening in 2029.

As the project moves forward, residents and commuters can expect to see significant changes to the city's transportation network. The ACT government has announced that it will be providing regular updates on the project's progress, and it will be working closely with the community to ensure that the project is delivered on time and on budget. In the meantime, residents and commuters can stay informed about the project by visiting the ACT government's website, which provides detailed information on the project's timeline, budget, and expected outcomes. The website also provides information on the project's potential impacts on traffic and parking, as well as the expected benefits of the project, including reduced congestion and improved air quality.

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Published by The Daily Canberra

Covering news in Canberra. This article was generated by AI from the linked sources and was not reviewed by a human editor before publishing. See our editorial standards.

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