In recent weeks, Canberrans have faced increasingly congested roads as school resumption and ongoing roadworks combine to create a perfect storm of delays. To better understand the impact on daily commutes, seven journalists from various suburbs shared their experiences navigating the city’s busiest routes. Despite varying distances and starting points, all encountered significant slowdowns, highlighting the growing frustration among residents. The most problematic areas included intersections near major highways and key entry points into the city center.

The analysis revealed that while some commutes were marginally faster, none escaped the gridlock entirely. The worst affected route was found to be around London Circuit, where light rail construction has exacerbated traffic flow issues. Even minor incidents on main roads can lead to severe backups, leaving drivers with little choice but to wait patiently.

Navigating Urban Bottlenecks

Understanding the challenges faced by commuters requires a closer look at specific routes. For instance, the journey from Amaroo to Civic took 39 minutes, with particular bottlenecks occurring along Barry Drive. Similarly, Throsby residents experienced delays turning onto Northbourne Avenue, while those from Higgins encountered congestion near Parkes Way. Each route highlighted different choke points, yet all shared common frustrations with traffic lights and merging lanes.

Amy Martin, who commutes from Amaroo, noted that the intersection at Clunies Ross Street often causes significant delays. “Getting into Marcus Clarke Street can take up to ten minutes,” she explained. Meanwhile, Lucy Arundell’s drive from Throsby saw smooth sailing until the right turn onto Barry Drive, where she waited through multiple light cycles. Chris Dutton’s trip from Higgins was relatively uneventful until he reached the William Hovel Drive interchange, where lane choice became critical. “Pick the wrong lane, and you’re stuck in idle,” Chris remarked. These examples underscore the importance of strategic planning when navigating Canberra’s morning rush.

Regional Commutes and Hidden Delays

Commuters from further afield also faced unique challenges. Those traveling from Queanbeyan, Mawson, Stirling, and Wanniassa encountered delays that extended beyond typical urban congestion. For example, Caden Helmers’ drive from Karabar involved smooth sailing until reaching Commonwealth Avenue, where traffic slowed considerably. Sally Pryor’s commute from Stirling was particularly frustrating due to an unexplained jam on Commonwealth Avenue Bridge. “It’s been getting worse, especially mid-week,” she observed. Meanwhile, Megan Doherty’s journey from Wanniassa took over 50 minutes, including school drop-offs, with significant delays near Parkes Way.

Karleen Minney’s experience commuting from Mawson was emblematic of the broader issue. Her average speed dropped to just 21.5 km/h, with the most significant bottleneck occurring on Commonwealth Avenue. “We were crawling at five to eight km per hour,” she said. The closure of the left-hand lane on the bridge added to the frustration, with some drivers attempting to bypass queues illegally. These regional commutes highlight the far-reaching effects of traffic congestion, affecting not only central areas but also suburban and satellite towns. The cumulative impact underscores the need for comprehensive solutions to alleviate traffic woes across Canberra.