Main construction works have begun today on the William Hovell Drive duplication, with the major project set to improve safety, ease congestion and support growth in Canberra's northwestern suburbs.
The upgrade will duplicate 4.5 kilometres of road between John Gorton Drive and Drake Brockman Drive, creating two lanes in each direction to ease congestion and improve safety for more than 20,000 vehicles that who use the corridor each day.
The $107.25 million project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments.
The start of main works follows completion of surveying, dilapidation assessments and site compound establishment over the last month.
Long-term modelling indicates that Belconnen's population could exceed 185,000 people by 2065, and up to another 79,000 residents living in the Molonglo Valley, increasing demand for safer and more efficient transport.
Complementing the $225 million joint investment to build a new bridge crossing over the Molonglo River, which is expected to open to traffic later this year, these projects will support future housing growth in Ginninderry, Denman Prospect, Whitlam and Molonglo.
The project will also deliver a new signalised intersection, a new three-metre-wide asphalt shared path for walking and cycling, improved access to the underpass and Old Weetangera Cemetery, and incorporate environmental protections through retaining walls and dedicated wildlife crossings.
To enable construction works to proceed safely, there will be overnight closures of William Hovell Drive between Drake Brockman Drive and John Gorton Drive (both directions) from 8pm each evening starting Monday 25 May to 6am each morning until Saturday 30 May 2026, weather permitting.
Travel updates, detour maps and construction alerts will be available on the Built for CBR website, with the ACT Government continuing to work closely with the community to provide timely information and support throughout construction.
Construction is expected to take approximately three years.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Labor Governments have a proud record of investing in the infrastructure Canberra needs.
"Our Government is focused on delivery, so it is pleasing to see works starting on this important project, and the nearby new Molonglo River Bridge coming together at pace.
"We are also partnering with the ACT Government to plan for the future, with a $50 million investment in this year's Budget to duplicate priority sections of Drake Brockman Drive."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne:
"This marks a significant milestone in delivering this vital infrastructure project. The upgrades will support continued population growth in Belconnen and Ginninderry by boosting the capacity, efficiency and safety of this key east-west corridor.
"The improvements will not only ease traffic congestion, but also encourage active travel, with new cycling and pedestrian paths creating a direct and accessible link to the city for residents in West Belconnen and Molonglo.
"As our city grows, so must our services. This project supports better access to emerging suburbs and ensures our transport network can meet the needs of future generations.
"This is a great example of governments working together to deliver for the community. I'm proud to see construction underway on a project that will benefit Canberra for generations to come."
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner, Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh MP:
"William Hovell Drive is a daily pinch point for Canberra's northwestern suburbs.
"This upgrade will turn a frustrating bottleneck into a safer, smoother corridor - giving Belconnen and Molonglo the road link their growth deserves."
Quotes attributable to ACT Member for Ginninderra Yvette Berry:
"It's great to see construction starting on the William Hovell Drive duplication, this project will make a huge difference to commuters and locals travelling from West Belconnen.
"Like many locals I use William Hovel Drive most days, I know the construction will be disruptive for us, but this will make a huge difference to the community for decades to come.
"Thank you to the community for their patience while we work through the relevant approvals to get this project started."
