The first stage of works to improve the Monaro Highway in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) is set to get underway this month, following the announcement that funding for the $200 million worth of upgrades will be accelerated.
“The Monaro Highway upgrade will shorten travel times and improve road safety, which will particularly benefit drivers travelling to and from the snow during the busy ski season.
“The upgrade forms part of the Federal Government’s $100 billion infrastructure pipeline over the next decade, getting Australians to where they need to be sooner and safer,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said.
With little overtaking opportunities on the Monaro Highway, this stretch of road has caused numerous accidents and some fatalities.
“This is just the beginning of the work we’re doing on the Monaro Highway, to make our roads safer for Canberrans travelling around our city.
“Canberra is a growing city and we are investing in infrastructure now to ensure we don’t have congested roads in the future,” ACT Minister for Roads and Active Travel Chris Steel said.
This multi-million dollar project will include the construction of a 2-kilometre northbound overtaking lane between Williamsdale Road and Royalla Drive.
“A wider median strip will be built between the northbound and southbound lanes and safety barriers will be placed in sections along the left side of the road in both directions.
“The project will also include a new left-turn lane for southbound traffic at the intersection of Monaro Highway and Old Cooma Road to improve safety for vehicles exiting the highway,” Senator for ACT Zed Seselja said.
The Australian and ACT Government are jointly funding the Monaro Highway upgrade works on a 50:50 basis.
Construction on Stage 1 of upgrades is due to be completed ahead of the 2020 snow season.
In addition, design work has also commenced for safety improvements and intersection upgrades at key locations along the Monaro Highway, which includes the Lanyon Drive intersection.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development (1, 2); Transport Canberra and City Service; The National Tribune
