Territory and Municipal Services Minister Shane Rattenbury marked the beginning of works on Commonwealth Avenue last week, and said the project would be completed by next month, providing another tourist aid to Floriade visitors. In May Mr Rattenbury had said works would begin at the start of June.

The federal and territory governments will spend a combined $200,000 on the 13 interpretive signs, footpath repairs and a small new section of path between State Circle and Old Parliament House.

The Greens MLA said his former federal colleague and party leader instigated the 3.4-kilometre Parliament House Walk idea.

"He used to stay across at University House and some time when he had the time he walked instead of taking his Comcar," Mr Rattenbury said.

"His experience was that it wasn't very well signposted, and he sometimes came across tourists who were lost."

The signage will start at the Jolimont Centre and point out historical, cultural and entertainment features as it guides walkers and cyclists down Commonwealth Avenue before turning left to connect with Federation Mall.

In 2011, then senator Brown suggested the project could cost up to $10 million with at least two or three new pedestrian bridge crossings, including over Vernon Circle to City Hill.

Mr Rattenbury said he had spoken to the long-time federal Greens leader recently and he was "very happy" with the plans.