Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is a concrete structure spanning Lake Burley Griffin in central Canberra, connecting the main district to areas south of the water. It uses five separate sections held up by four supports standing in the lake, with divided lanes for cars, bicycles, and people on foot.

The bridge was built following designs by Maunsell & Partners, with construction starting in 1961 and opening to traffic later that decade. It replaced three earlier crossings over the river that had suffered damage from flood events.

The bridge's form reflects the ordered design approach that shapes Canberra's entire layout, standing as a visual expression of the city's careful urban planning. Its straightforward lines echo the geometric thinking that guides how the capital was built and organized.

The bridge is straightforward to cross during the day, with clear lanes for different users - drivers have their routes while cyclists and pedestrians have separate paths. Crossing outside peak hours tends to be less crowded and more pleasant for all types of travelers.

The structure stretches more than 300 meters and stands as the fourth crossing built at this location after earlier bridges suffered damage during high water periods. Many visitors overlook how carefully the four supports were positioned to avoid disrupting the river's flow.