New funding injection to deliver two safety upgrades on ACT highways

The Australian Government continues its partnership with the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Government to boost safety of highways in the Canberra and Queanbeyan-Palerang region, with $26.1 million in federal funding committed to two priority upgrades. 

$17.5 million from the Federal Government is supporting the delivery of the next stage of safety upgrades on the Monaro Highway. This investment builds on the $230.5 million worth of improvements already being delivered to the highway. 

“Over 18,500 people from across the Queanbeyan-Paleranf region cross into Canberra every day for work on both the Monaro and Kings Highways, with over 4,700 from the ACT heading onto our side of the order – which is why we’re ensuring these critical road networks remain safe, and keep up with increasing demand. 

“That’s on top of thousands of people from across Eden-Monaro that use these highways every week to access important services in the ACT, and the tens of thousands from Canberra that head away on weekends to make the most of what our fantastic communities have to offer – from the coast to the snow,” Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, and Member for Eden-Moanro Kristy McBain MP said. 

“We’re ensuring commuters in Canberra and the surrounding regions have reliable roads and can safely travel between NSW and the ACT – which is exactly what these latest upgrades will support. 

“We welcome this investment from the Albanese Government, and we’ll continue to work together to deliver more priority upgrades for our growing region,” ACT Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne MLA said. 

The new funding will be spent to rehabilitate over eight kilometres of the Monaro Highway from the Jerrabomberra Creek intersection at Hindmarsh Drive to David Warren Road. 

Works will be carried out to both the south and northbound carriageways as well as on and off ramps on both sides of this section of the highway. 

The pavement rehabilitation works are anticipated to be completed later this year. 

In addition, the Australian Government is allocating $8.6 million for improvements to the Kings Highway at Kowen. The two-kilometre section from the Mill Post Road intersection to the ACT/NSW border will receive surface upgrades on both sides of the road. This project is due to be completed by mid-2025. 

These projects are fully funded by the Australian Government as part of $70 million in Roads to Recovery funding being delivered to the ACT Government over five years – a $30 million boost. 

Construction tenders for these projects have already closed and tender evaluation is now being undertaken by the ACT Government. 

“Road safety is everyone’s concern, and I’m proud the Albanese Labor Government is delivering significant funding increases to the ACT Government to support safer roads. 

“These road upgrades will improve safety for Canberrans, whether on their daily commute, or visiting interstate family and friends,” Federal Member for Canberra Alicia Payne MP said. 

“Our region is growing, which is why we’re partnering with the ACT Government to turn federal funding into local results – from roads, to important local services. 

“We’ve increased funding for local roads, we’re investing in other major projects, and we’re committed to working with the ACT Government to continue delivering what Canberrans deserve,” Federal Member for Bean David Smith MP said. 

Source: Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories; Infrastructure Magazine