Construction on the new Lanyon Drive Interchange in ACT is now underway

Major upgrades to Monaro Highway, south of Canberra, are now underway with the beginning of construction on Stage 1. 

The Monaro Highway Upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments, each contributing $115.25 million and $230.5 million respectively. 

The overall Monaro Highway Upgrade is expected to create 700 jobs during the design and construction stages. 

“The Australian Government understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times. 

“This project will provide a major economic stimulus to the Canberra region including an estimated 700 jobs being created during the detailed design and construction phases. 

“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,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The Lanyon Drive Interchange is the first of three interchanges planned to be built for the Monaro Highway. In addition to construction beginning on the Lanyon Drive project, preliminary design is now underway on future interchanges at the Hume industrial precinct and Isabella Drive. 

The first stage of works will deliver the new Lanyon Drive Interchange to greatly improve safety and reduce congestion along this road corridor. 

In October last year, local ACT-based builder Woden Contractors was awarded the contract to deliver the Lanyon Drive Interchange project. 

Project map (source: City Services)

This project will include a southbound flyover for Monaro Highway over Lanyon Drive and 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 
• 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 

“The ACT Government is building the infrastructure our growing city needs with construction now starting to deliver significant safety upgrades along 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. 

“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. 

“I’m excited to see this next milestone reached and look forward to keeping the Canberra community updated as we progress this important project,” ACT Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne said. 

In addition, the project is designed to deliver minimal impact on existing native vegetation in the area. 

Landscaping plans are now being finalised and they will focus on local and native species, prioritising tree planting, water sensitive urban design and biodiversity conservation. 

Utility works commenced in January 2022 and are now completed. The works included relocating and protecting major water mains and telecommunication networks. The relocation of two gas mains that began in October 2023 is now completed as well. 

Early preparatory works, including site clearing and earthworks, started last month and involved large machinery such as excavators and trucks. 

“It’s good to see construction has started on this important project, after a much needed upgrade that will benefit Tuggeranong and the surrounding region in bordering NSW. 

“Both governments will continue to work together across the community and look forward to seeing more work get underway,” Federal Member for Bean David Smith said. 

During construction, traffic conditions will be impacted with reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures. Motorists are encouraged to plan their travels carefully and consider taking public transport or travel during off-peak hours if possible. 

Construction on the new Lanyon Drive Interchange is expected to take three years to complete. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; ACT Government Media Releases; ACT Government – Built for CBR