The $230.5 million construction of upgrades to the Monaro Highway, south of Canberra is underway.
Work on the new Lanyon Drive Interchange has begun, which will deliver safety improvements as well as reduce congestion.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King acknowledged the importance of the new developments.
“The Australian Government understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times,” she said.
“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.”
The work consists of a southbound flyover for the highway over Lanyon Drive as well as three intersection upgrades including;
- the removal of traffic lights at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (intersection of the Monaro Highway and David Warren Road;
- a new roundabout at the intersection of the new Monaro Highway southbound off-ramp and David Warren Road extension; and;
- 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.
ACT Minister for City Services, Tara Cheyne, said the works will provide jobs and a higher level of safety for drivers on the Monaro Highway.
“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,” she said.
“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.”
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A further benefit of this design is the minimal impact it will have on existing native vegetation in the area.
The landscaping plans are being finalised and will focus on local and native species, prioritising tree planting, water sensitive urban design and biodiversity conservation.
Significant utility works began in January 2022 with works completed to relocate and protect major water mains and telecommunication networks.
Preliminary design is also underway on future interchanges at the Hume industrial precinct and Isabella Drive.
The relocation of two gas mains, underway since October 2023, is now also complete.
Early preparatory works, involving site clearing and earthworks, started last month with large machinery, including excavators and trucks.
There will be impacts to travel times during construction, including during peak periods, with reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures expected.
Motorists are encouraged to rethink their travel plans where possible and consider taking public transport or travelling outside peak times where possible.
Construction is expected to take about three years to complete.