A three-year long project to upgrade the Monaro Highway, south of Canberra, is now underway.
Jointly funded by the federal and ACT governments, with each committing $115.25 million for $230.5 million total, it will deliver key safety improvements and reduce congestion in a busy corridor.
Initial works have now begun on the new Lanyon Drive interchange, south-east of Canberra. This will consist of a southbound flyover for the highway and three intersection upgrades including:
- Removing traffic lights at the Alexander Maconochie Centre at the intersection of the Monaro Highway and David Warren Road
- A new roundabout at the Monaro Highway southbound off-ramp and David Warren Road extension
- Upgrading the signalised intersection at Lanyon Drive and Sheppard Street to include a direct connection to David Warren Road and the Monaro Highway southbound off-ramp
Federal transport minister Catherine King says it is an important investment into Australia’s roads.
“The Australian government understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times,” she says.
“This project will provide a major economic stimulus to the Canberra region including an estimated 700 jobs being created during the detailed design and construction phases.
“Projects like this are important to not only keep people employed and local businesses running, but also to provide the Canberra community with better infrastructure and safer roads into the future.”
Early works including site clearing and earthworks already commenced in January, with excavators and trucks on-site.
The ACT government says there will be increased travel times during construction especially during peak periods, so drivers should stay aware of reduced speed limits and lane closures.
“The ACT government is building the infrastructure our growing city needs with construction now starting to deliver significant safety upgrades along the Monaro Highway,” says ACT minister for city services Tara Cheyne.
“Following the completion of utility works, local ACT company, Woden Contractors, will now deliver the new southbound flyover for the Monaro Highway over Lanyon Drive.
“Our investment in projects like this support not only our growing population, but also improves safety and efficiency across our road network whilst subsequently supporting jobs and our economy.
“These upgrades are creating around 700 jobs during design and construction and support safe and efficient movement of people and freight around southern ACT and NSW.
“The project will improve safety on the Monaro Highway by removing dangerous at grade intersections and separating traffic turning across the Highway, in and out of Hume and NSW.
“I’m excited to see this next milestone reached and look forward to keeping the Canberra community updated as we progress this important project.”