The intersection of the Monaro Highway with Lanyon Drive is a major chokepoint. Photo: ACT Government.
The $200 million Monaro Highway upgrade is a step closer with the release of concept designs for a southbound flyover at the intersection of the highway with Lanyon Drive.
The $45 million Lanyon Drive component also includes the removal of traffic lights at the Alexander Maconochie Centre intersection and the highway’s southbound intersection with Lanyon Drive.
The signalised intersection of Lanyon Drive and Sheppard Street will also be upgraded to improve access into and out of the Hume commercial centre.
The flyover, with on-road bicycle lanes, will improve traffic flow during the morning and afternoon peak periods and reduce travel times.
ACT Roads Minister Chris Steel joined with ACT Liberal Senator Zed Seselja to announce the release of the concept designs, with construction due to commence next year and take two-and-a-half years.
Mr Steel said the Monaro Highway was expected to carry 35,000 vehicles a day by 2031, as well as serving the residents of Tuggeranong. It was a key tourism route to the snowfields and a major freight route for the region.
The ACT Government would also be looking at improving other intersections on the Monaro, particularly at Isabella Drive but also Mugga Lane, and Tralee and Shephard streets.
The concept designs for the Lanyon Drive flyover project. Image: ACT Government.
Safety improvements, due to be completed this year, were also well underway further south on the Monaro, with the addition of an overtaking lane and turning lanes near Royalla, which will improve safety for those on the way to the snowfields.
Mr Steel said a proposal for the highway to run through the Mugga Lane Solar Farm was never going to be adopted.
“We never intended to build the road through the Solar Farm. What we have done is benchmarked the current, preferred road alignment against other options as part of the necessary due diligence for an infrastructure project of this size,” he said.
Senator Seselja said the concept designs were a really important step in what has been a long journey that goes back to 2016.
”This flyover will make a big difference when it is delivered,” he said.
”Those who travel along this road know that Lanyon Drive is a major chokepoint and it’s only going to become a more significant chokepoint as we see the growth in places like South Jerrabomberra and Googong.”
It means the people of Tuggeranong and Queanbeyan and surrounds will spend less time in traffic and have a safer commute.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said both governments had brought forward funding to accelerate the project and get the Monaro upgrade underway in 2020-21.
The Federal and ACT governments have committed $100 million each to the upgrade, which will take fours years to complete.
Loading ...
