Main construction works are underway on the ACT Government’s 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 use the corridor each day.
“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,” said ACT Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne.
“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.”
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.
The ACT Government says 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.
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.
Construction is expected to take approximately three years.
For more information visit www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/browse-all-projects/transport/william-hovell-drive-duplication.
