Expect delays as Lanyon Drive Interchange works get under way

Construction has started on the $230.5m Lanyon Drive Interchange project on the busy Monaro Highway, including a new southbound flyover, and motorists have been warned to expect delays.

The jointly funded project between the Federal and ACT governments aims to make the highway much safer as well ease congestion .

As well as the flyover over Lanyon Drive, the second stage of project will upgrade three intersections.

The traffic lights at the Alexander Maconochie Centre at the intersection of the Monaro Highway and David Warren Road will be removed, and a new roundabout will be built at the intersection of the new Monaro Highway southbound off-ramp and David Warren Road extension.

The signalised intersection at Lanyon Drive and Sheppard Street is to include a direct connection to David Warren Road and the Monaro Highway southbound off-ramp.

This stage is subject to environmental approval and will go out to tender later in the year.

A joint statement says the project design will also have a minimal impact on existing native vegetation in the area.

The landscaping plans are being finalised and will focus on local and native species, prioritising tree planting, water sensitive urban design and biodiversity conservation, it says.

Early preparatory works, involving site clearing and earthworks, started last month with large machinery, including excavators and trucks.

Significant utility works began in January 2022 with works completed to relocate and protect major water mains and telecommunication networks.

The relocation of two gas mains, under way since October last year now complete.

Preliminary design is also under way on future interchanges at the Hume industrial precinct and Isabella Drive.

Motorists are being warned that travel times will be affected during construction, including during peak periods, with reduced speed limits and temporary lane closures expected.

They are urged to rethink their travel plans where possible and consider taking public transport or travelling outside peak times.

Construction is expected to take about three years to complete.

The Lanyon Drive Interchange is the first of three interchanges planned for the Monaro Highway.

ACT City Services Minister Tara Cheyne said ACT company Woden Contractors would deliver the new southbound flyover and the project would create about 700 jobs..

Ms Cheyne said project would 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.

“It’s about improving time commute time. It’s about improving capacity. It’s about improving safety,” she said.

“And it’s also about supporting our freight industry both in the ACT and New South Wales.”

Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the Australian Government understood the importance of investing in infrastructure that supported growing populations, reduced congestion and improved travel times.

“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,” she said.

Each government has committed $115.25 million towards the project.