A historical bus monument is set to be demolished as the old Woden interchange is to be replaced in the ACT
The ACT government has announced that the old Woden bus interchange has been demolished.
The state government says the new CIT Campus and light rail ready public transport interchange in Woden is a step closer with demolition work starting on the old bus interchange.
“This is the end of an era with significant upgrades ramping up across the Woden Town Centre to enable construction on the new CIT and new public transport interchange,” ACT transport minister Chris Steel says.
“The significance of the works occurring cannot be understated with these projects representing the biggest infrastructure investments in the Woden Town Centre in more than 50 years.”
The old Woden interchange was first opened on December 4, 1972, with upgrades occurring in 1982 and 1994.
The interchange had 11 platforms that saw 683 buses pass through each day, with the last service to depart the interchange being the route 59, which left platform seven at 9.30PM on January 29 this year.
“Once completed, the new CIT Woden campus will support up to 6,500 students each year, while the new interchange will cement Woden’s position as the major destination hub for Canberrans on the southside,” Steel says.
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“The new campus will be located on the old interchange site, while the new interchange will be constructed on Callam Street. The precinct will be a completely integrated public transport and education hub with vibrant green spaces that welcomes students, workers, business and commuters.”
As part of community consultation and during the design phase, the ACT government says it’s worked with its delivery partner Lendlease to add more features to the project. This includes:
- more shelter linking the CIT campus to the new public transport interchange
- a pedestrian boulevard to Woden town square
- a new Bowes and Bradley Street local shared zone
- secure bike storage and lockup
- public toilets
- new green spaces and trees
The new interchange will include passenger-friendly shelters with better weather protection, improved lighting and signage and technology to support future electric buses and light rail.
A Youth Foyer will also be delivered within the campus precinct to support vulnerable young people. The Youth Foyer will provide accommodation, support services and opportunities to pursue education and training all in the one location.
Canberrans can expect to see increased activity at the construction site over the coming months including:
- decommissioning of services and utilities at the site
- removal of any hazardous materials and dust minimisation methods such as misting
- an increased level of truck movements
- arrival and movement of plant and excavation equipment
- demolition of existing structures and pavements, including the old Woden bus interchange.
A temporary interchange has been built to support the construction of CIT Woden, the new public transport interchange and the major public and private construction work currently underway in the town centre.
Development applications for the main works after demolition are currently being assessed.
The CIT campus precinct is expected to be welcoming its first students in 2025.