A time lapse video was taken last Saturday from the the fourth floor of the nearby Cosmopolitan Building shows builders knocking down the western end of the interchange to construct new steps, a public lift and improved facilities.

Territory and Municipal Services Minister, Shane Rattenbury, said the open design will offer a better connection to the Woden Plaza and is on track for completion in September 2016.

"This will be a really welcome change that will not only make the area more functional but I expect it will be a huge improvement in the overall atmosphere of the area," Mr Rattenbury said.

Woden Valley Community Council President, Martin Miller, said there is a lot of history that many locals are unaware of behind the old concrete area.

Woden Bus Interchange in 1974, two years after it opened.

"It was Australia-leading in terms of its design and was one of the better bus stations at the time," he said.

The bus station was built in two parts. An interim interchange was built on Melrose Drive, across from Phillip pool in 1968, and a permanent station opened at Bradley Street four years later.

In 1982 it was expanded to include services to Tuggeranong.

Woden Bus Interchange in 1983. Photo: ACT Heritage Library

"It provided cover for commuters and heated rooms in Winter... and what we have seen from the Economic Directorate about the current upgrade is probably a little bit disappointing because it won't have that cover for commuters, just a few bus awnings," Mr Miller said.

"The new interchange was going to coincide with the extension to the Westfield mall, but since Myer pulled out [of opening in the shopping centre], the likelihood that that extension will go ahead is probably delayed indefinitely."

On Tuesday morning, urgent maintenance work forced the closure of three Woden bus interchange platforms.

Platforms 8, 9 and 10 had been temporary relocated to the bus layover between the Woden bus station and the Hellenic Club.

Mr Rattenbury said temporary shelters and lighting had been setup at the alternative locations and there "were no significant disruptions" from the move.