7 December 2022

Molonglo Bridge project still awaits a contract but the ACT Government insists it will open in 2025

| Ian Bushnell
Join the conversation
34
Molonglo River Bridge

An artist’s impression of the Molonglo River Bridge. Photo: ACT Government.

New details of the planned bridge across the Molonglo River to replace the problematical Coppins Crossing have been released ahead of construction in 2023.

The ACT Government still expects the bridge to be completed and open to traffic in 2025 but it is still assessing tenders for the $178 million project.

The bridge has been long called for and will make a huge difference to those who regularly travel between Belconnen and the growing Molonglo Valley and Weston Creek.

READ ALSO You’re driving along and a kangaroo jumps out in front of you – what should you do?

The Molonglo Valley Community Forum convenor Ryan Hemsley cautiously welcomed the government’s confirmation of the 2025 completion date but was keen to see a contract awarded.

“While it is great to see the government recommit to a 2025 completion date, we’re still awaiting confirmation that a contract has been signed for the detailed design and construction of this vital piece of infrastructure,” he said.

“Until we get that confirmation, any promises regarding this project will be treated with a reasonable degree of scepticism.”

According to a fresh posting on the project, the new bridge will span 227.5 metres across the Molonglo River and be built above the one-in-100-year flood level, solving the problem of flooding and debris closing Coppins Crossing, something that has happened regularly in the past couple of years.

It will contribute to more efficient traffic flow generally because when Coppins Crossing is closed, motorists are forced to use the longer route via the Tuggeranong Parkway.

The bridge will be a part of the completion of John Gorton Drive, replacing a winding single-lane road with a safe and secure dual-carriageway link.

READ ALSO Can Canberra be a global destination? The new strategy says we already have what it takes

The safety issue was highlighted in tragic circumstances when three Bangladeshi tourists died in a head-on smash on Coppins Crossing Road in October.

The bridge won’t just be for motorists but will have on-road cycle lanes and off-road shared paths, as well as space to allow a future light rail connection.

It will also support native animal habitat for platypus nesting sites, striped legless lizards, water birds and bats.

This project is jointly funded between the ACT and Federal Governments as part of the Commonwealth’s Investment Road and Rail Program.

The development application for this project was approved in February 2021, and the tender process for design and construction closed in June 2022.

Join the conversation

34
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

Another infrastructure project by the ACT Govt which is never going to happen by the planned date. This Govt needs to get its stuff together and do these projects properly or not all. When is the Govt going to fix the incredibly dangerous dip in Erindale Drive?? Hazard signs don’t cut it and the part of the road with the dip is not that old. I’d expect compensation to be paid to the ACT Govt by the builder of the road for such a crap job.

Stephen Saunders3:17 pm 07 Dec 22

Dumping many thousands into suburbs lacking infrastructure and services is as Australian as binge drinking and roadkill.

If you give ’em a 20th century bridge as early as 2025, they’ll only come back wanting more. Let ’em suffer till 2035 at least.

So you don’t have a problem with the 3rd world lack of planning and infrastructure for thousands of people?

Stop it. My ribs hurt from laughing

The government is fudging many infrastructure projects. Mostly reacting quickly to the liberals.

While they say that Athllon drive is done, they’re pulling and shifting funding down the road. And one would assume they’ll keep shifting it.

At the end it’ll take 3 times as long and they’ve only spent 1/3 the money on projects in that area.

Projects in some areas in Canberra seem to fly through planning and construction, these areas are getting much more spent than those area’s with the 1 per 20 year projects.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.