The New South Wales Government is calling for tenders for the Ellerton Drive extension at Queanbeyan, which is aimed at reducing congestion in the local area.
The extension includes a new two-lane road extending from Ellerton Drive at East Queanbeyan to Old Cooma Road and Edwin Land Parkway at Karabar.
The project will also create a new river crossing that will help to maintain transport access during a 1-in-100 year flood event.
“With the local population expected to grow to 56,000 by 2031, the extension is necessary to avoid future congestion in the Queanbeyan central business district,” said New South Wales Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight Melinda Pavey.
“The Ellerton Drive extension will provide an alternative route around the Queanbeyan central business district, connecting the east and west of the town to the new southern population growth areas.
“Tenders are invited from suitably prequalified contractors to build the extension, which is expected to take around two years to complete. This tender call means the project is progressing well and on track to start construction in mid-2017 as soon as a contractor is engaged.”
The Australian and New South Wales governments have allocated $50 million towards the project. The remainder of the cost will be covered by Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council.