The ACT and Australian Governments have delivered the new southbound Monaro Highway flyover at the Lanyon Drive Interchange, reducing delays and improving safety on one of Canberra's most important transport corridors.
The new flyover will open to traffic on Wednesday, 4 November, completing part of the $260.5 million Monaro Highway Upgrade Program, a joint investment by the Australian and ACT Governments.
The Monaro Highway is a critical connection for commuters, freight operators and visitors travelling between Canberra, Queanbeyan and southern New South Wales, with more than 30,000 vehicles travelling on this section of the Monaro Highway every day.
The 196-metre-long flyover will allow southbound through-traffic to bypass the traffic lights at the Lanyon Drive intersection. Traffic travelling to Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra will continue to use the existing roadway to turn left at Lanyon Drive.
Southbound cyclists will temporarily remain on the existing southbound roadway and will be able to continue south by travelling through the existing traffic lights at the Lanyon Drive/Monaro Highway intersection. Southbound cyclists are expected to be able to travel over the bridge in early 2027.
Indigenous artwork, developed in consultation with Ngunnawal elders and community representatives, has been incorporated into Corten steel panels across the flyover, reflecting Ngunnawal stories and connection to the Monaro corridor.
The new Dog Trap Creek Bridge on the northbound carriageway is expected to open before Christmas 2026 with the remaining elements of the initial interchange works to be completed in mid-2027.
Federal environmental approvals for the balance of the Lanyon Drive Interchange have recently been received. Heritage and geotechnical investigations as well as final designs for the remaining interchange works are now underway.
Construction of these remaining works including the extension of David Warren Road, the new southbound off ramp to Lanyon Drive, and the removal of the traffic signals at the Alexander Maconochie Centre are expected to commence in 2028.
Planning is also underway for future upgrades along the Monaro Highway to support long-term transport needs, improve connectivity and enhance access for surrounding communities.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The Monaro Highway Upgrade is a long-term program that will improve road safety, freight movement and travel times across the ACT and surrounding regions.
"With the new flyover opening at the Lanyon Drive interchange, these upgrades are a big win for the thousands of commuters using this key route each day.
"The Albanese Government is committed to working with the Barr Government to deliver the infrastructure upgrades that will support a more efficient and better-connected city."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport Tara Cheyne:
"The Monaro Highway is one of Canberra's most important transport corridors, connecting people, goods and communities across the ACT and southern New South Wales.
"The new flyover will reduce delays, improve traffic flow and enhance safety for the thousands of motorists who use this corridor each day.
"This project is helping deliver a more reliable and efficient transport network for commuters, freight operators and local communities.
"As Canberra continues to grow, upgrades like this will ensure the Monaro Highway can support increasing transport demand and keep people connected to where they live, work and travel."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean David Smith:
"For locals and visitors travelling between Tuggeranong, the Woden Valley and south New South Wales, these upgrades will cut travel times, ease congestion and improve safety for all motorists.
"With a growing population, we are investing in road and transport infrastructure across the Territory.
"The Monaro Highway Upgrade Program is designed for the future, making it easier for Canberrans to get around, and facilitates better integration across the Capital Region."
