A delay to a new bridge on the Majura Parkway coupled with home-furnishing giant IKEA's opening next month could bring days of pain for commuters from Gungahlin, Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan.
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Traffic to and from the city and Canberra Airport could also be affected.
The ACT Government says IKEA will open as planned on Monday, November 16, to an expected crowd of 15,000 to 20,000 even if the northbound bridge over the Molonglo River is not completed, as earlier planned.
Contractors revealed in May they would have to replace concrete on the north-bound bridge, delaying this part of the $288 million project for several months.
If opened on schedule the bridge will help alleviate IKEA-related traffic congestion on Fairbairn Avenue, Pialligo Avenue and Majura Road. But ACT Government traffic planners are also looking at scenarios in case the bridge is not finished.
"Work is continuing and the aim is to have the northbound bridge open as early as possible to assist with traffic flow including for the IKEA opening. Actual completion date will depend on the weather," a spokeswoman said.
About 100 metres in two side ducts on the northbound bridge were blocked, contractors revealed in May, limiting the number of tension cables that could be run through the tunnels to strengthen the structure. High pressure water has been used to clear the ducts. Removing sections of concrete has so far delayed the bridge's completion from August until at least mid-November.
More than 12,000 people have indicated on IKEA's Facebook they are coming on opening day, and product catalogues have been distributed across the territory and southern NSW, along with a scavenger hunt promotion for social media and earlier events at Floriade.
IKEA's 840 car park spaces is expected to overflow and another 800 car parks are being organised at Majura Park near the Canberra Airport. "We are working closely with the airport and IKEA on provision of overflow parking given the numbers expected," the spokeswoman said.
People are encouraged to consider car pooling or using public transport to get to IKEA when it first opens. More information on traffic arrangements will be available at www.tams.act.gov.au closer to the opening day.
Remediation work on the northbound bridge will be subject to independent certification as contractors and Roads ACT seek to avoid similar delays with cabling strengthening on the road's southbound bridge.
IKEA has inducted 250 staff and with 70 per cent of stock in place, was still expecting another 180 trucks to deliver more goods before opening day.
