London Circuit Explained

Type:road
Road Name:London Circuit
City:Canberra
State:act
Length:1.86
Ring:City Hill
Est:1930s
Through:Civic (CBD)
Former:
  • ACT Tourist Drive 1
  • (Constitution Avenue–Northbourne Avenue) [Anti-clockwise]
  • ACT Tourist Drive 7
  • (Edinburgh Avenue–Commonwealth Avenue) [Clockwise]
Exits:

London Circuit is a road in Canberra, Australia, which surrounds City Hill in Civic, the city centre.[1] It has a hexagonal shape, and intersects with several main roads such as Northbourne Avenue, Edinburgh Avenue, Akuna Street, Constitution Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue .

Several important buildings are located on London Circuit. These include the Australian Capital Territory Legislative Assembly, the Supreme Court,[2] [3] the ACT Magistrates Court, the historic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, the Canberra Theatre and the QT Canberra.

As part of construction of stage 2A of the Canberra light rail, work will commence in 2022 to raise part of London Circuit by 6m (20feet) and provide a signalised, level intersection with Commonwealth Avenue. The ACT Government claim this will create a more "people oriented" space, improving access for pedestrians and cyclists as well as public transport infrastructure,[4] however warned of traffic disruption over a four year period during construction. This intersection is currently grade-separated and makes use of a cloverleaf style ramps, requiring the demolition of the current overpass, to be replaced by new roadway built on top of 60,000 m3 of fill material. Tracks will be laid along the western portion of London Circuit between this new junction and Northbourne Avenue, with a station to be built on this section to serve City West and the Australian National University. A portion of the eastern section of London Circuit between Commonwealth and Constitution Avenues will also be upgraded as part of this project.[5] These works are expected to be completed in 2024.[6] [7]

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: . Naming The Streets And Public Places: Civic Centre Passes. On the northern side of the City Commonwealth Avenue terminates at City Square and London Circuit is the name which has been applied to the hexagonal shaped roadway which surrounds City Hill. . 2 . 16 December 1927 . 18 January 2022 . scan . Trove.
  2. News: The Canberra Times . Roving Canberra Around Canberra: A Case Of Destruction and Construction . 16, 17 . 18 January 1963 . 18 January 2022 . scan . Trove.
  3. News: The Canberra Times . Prime Minister Lauds Expansion Of Capital . 1 . 9 May 1963 . 18 January 2022 . scan . Trove.
  4. Web site: Revealed: Bridges go to raise London Circuit. Canberra CityNews. 30 October 2021.
  5. Web site: Raising London Circuit works approvals lodged with National Capital Authority. RiotACT. Ian Bushnell. 3 November 2021.
  6. Web site: Canberra Light Rail Stage two. Railway Technology. 12 March 2021.
  7. Web site: Extension of Canberra's light rail, overhauling London Circuit, gets federal environmental approval. Jordan Hayne. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 3 February 2021.