Canberra motorists are facing a fresh wave of traffic disruptions as major bridge construction projects move into critical phases, forcing weekend and weekday road closures across the city.
Lanyon Drive Shutdown for Monaro Highway Flyover
Lanyon Drive will be completely closed between the northbound and southbound sections of the Monaro Highway from 7pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, until 5pm on Sunday, January 18, 2026, weather permitting. The closure is necessary for a major concrete pour for a new flyover on the Monaro Highway.
Infrastructure Canberra has advised drivers travelling from Jerrabomberra to north Canberra to use an alternative route. The official detour involves turning right onto Lanyon Drive at Tompsitt Drive and then using Canberra Avenue. Traffic will also be diverted through the industrial suburb of Hume.
New Traffic Switch and Coppins Crossing Closure
In a related development, northbound traffic on the Monaro Highway will be switched onto the eastern side of the new Dog Trap Creek Bridge during the week of January 20-21, 2026. This bridge is located north of the highway's intersection with Lanyon Drive in Hume. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained during this switch.
A separate, significant closure will affect west Canberra. Coppins Crossing will be shut for an entire day on Thursday, February 5, 2026. The closure between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue is to allow for a concrete pour on the surface of the new bridge over the Molonglo River.
This work was originally scheduled for January 22 but was postponed due to availability of plant equipment and concrete pumps. While Coppins Crossing is closed, motorists will need to travel via Parkes Way and Cotter Road.
Long-Term Benefits Amid Short-Term Disruption
Infrastructure Canberra has emphasised the long-term transport benefits of these disruptive works. The agency stated that the construction of the new Molonglo River Bridge and the completion of John Gorton Drive will transform the Molonglo region. It will better connect suburbs like Denman Prospect and Whitlam to the rest of Canberra.
These latest road closures add to existing traffic headaches in the capital. Light rail services are not running along Northbourne Avenue until January 24, 2026, due to line extension works. Furthermore, a multi-year project to strengthen the Commonwealth Avenue bridge is now underway, causing ongoing disruption in the city centre.
Drivers are urged to plan their journeys ahead, allow extra travel time, and follow all signed detours during the specified closure periods.
