The ACT Government is building the infrastructure our growing city needs with the release of an expression of interest for the tender to design and construct the Molonglo River bridge.
"The construction of the Molonglo River Bridge and completion of John Gorton Drive will transform the Molonglo region and better connect the northern suburbs of Molonglo including Denman Prospect and Whitlam to the rest of the Molonglo Valley," said Minister for Transport and City Services Chris Steel.
"The project will create more than 500 jobs during design and construction, improve safety on our roads and provide a reliable connection for Canberrans who currently travel through Coppins Crossing to Woden and West-Belconnen."
"In total 1.7 kilometres of arterial road will be built including the 227 metres of bridge spanning the Molonglo River.
"This is not just a bridge building project. New arterial roadways leading up to the bridge and new intersections will be constructed, providing access to the future Molonglo Commercial Centre and the suburb of Whitlam.
"In addition to these major infrastructure upgrades, the project also includes important active travel links with off-road shared paths and on-road cycle lanes to encourage more Canberrans to jump on a bike to get to their destination.
"Public transport users are also set to benefit from this investment, with project capable of supporting a future light rail connection as well as up to six new bus stops and bus priority at identified intersections.
"Importantly, the necessary approvals for this project have been actioned with a Notice of Decision for the development application received in February 2021. These approvals will ensure we are able to commence construction works without delay after the detailed design is complete."
Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said this project will provide a major economic stimulus to the Canberra region, including an estimated 560 jobs to be created during the detailed design and construction phases.
"Projects like the Molonglo River Bridge are important to not only keep Canberrans employed and businesses running, but also to provide the Canberra community with better infrastructure connections and safer roads long into the future," Senator Seselja said.
"The Commonwealth's $87.5 million contribution to this vital project is part of our $1.8 billion infrastructure investment bonanza in new projects across the ACT since 2018," Senator Seselja said.
The detailed design phase is expected to commence in mid-2022 and take one year to complete with construction commencing soon after. The project is expected to be completed and open to traffic by the end of 2025.
This is a $176.2 million jointly funded ACT and Commonwealth Government project.
For more details, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au.
