The proposed implementation of Canberra's light rail project could "significantly" damage Northbourne Avenue's appearance, according to a draft environmental impact statement.

The 1,700 page report found that there was "significant risk" associated with removing the trees that line the centre of Northbourne Avenue.

The reports said 860 trees would be removed along the 12 kilometre route from Gungahlin to the city during the construction and operation phase of the project.

"This would include a majority of mature trees within the median along Northbourne Avenue between Antill Street and the Civic terminus stop, plus trees along Gungahlin Place, Hibberson Street, Flemington Road, and the Federal Highway," the report said.

But none of the ACT registered trees within the vicinity of the Project would be affected.

On Thursday, the National Capital Authority (NCA) warned it would block Canberra's light rail project unless Northbourne Avenue was maintained as a unique tree-lined boulevard.

To counteract the removal of a large number of trees, a tree planting strategy will be implemented.

The strategy would see around 1,800 new trees planted into the "impact zone", which includes includes about 700 trees tree planted along the Federal Highway and Northbourne Avenue corridor.

"The planting strategy for the Federal Highway precinct aims to create a memorable precinct and threshold by planting two linear rows of columnar shaped exotic trees on both verges to frame the avenue," the report states.

"These trees represent an extension of the Remembrance Driveway and the recognisable rows of tall poplar trees that mark the entrance to the Hume Highway."

The report flagged that the strategy would be beneficial in the long run, but after the mitigation factors are put in place there will still be a negative impact over the short to medium term for the corridor.

Canberrans unaware of risks associated with light rail

The report found that once built the light rail could be dangerous for Canberra residents who, unlike people in Sydney and Melbourne, have no "history of light rail".

"Canberra residents will be unaware of the risks involved in using or being near light rail," the report said.

To mitigate this danger, the report proposed the implementation of a public safety campaign to reduce the risk of "new" accidents once the light rail was operational.

"This would assist in advising ACT residents of the new light rail, the safety measures built into the light rail and surrounding areas and ways they can safely engage with it," the report said.

"Information on crossing the tracks safely, turning right across light rail tracks, getting on and off LRVs (light rail vehicles) and staying safe while in LRVs should all be covered."

The report will be open to community consultation until July 17.