A contract has been issued for the design and construction of the Molonglo River Bridge, said to be Canberra’s largest ever bridge project.
The Australian and ACT Governments awarded the $172.7 million contract, which includes the design and construction of the bridge and associated road and public transport infrastructure, to BMD Construction.
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times is vital.
“This project will provide a major economic stimulus to the Canberra region, including supporting an estimated 560 jobs during the detailed design and construction phases,” she said.
“Projects like this are important to not only keep Canberrans employed and businesses running, but also to provide the community with better infrastructure and safer roads long into the future.”
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Once completed, the project will connect the growing suburbs of Molonglo and West Belconnen to the rest of Canberra.
In addition to the 227.5 metre-long bridge crossing the region’s largest river, 1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads leading to the bridge and five new intersections will be built, providing access to the proposed Molonglo Group Centre from Whitlam and future northern suburbs. The new bridge will be integrated with the future Molonglo Commercial Centre.
ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel said the new infrastructure will help ensure Canberra remains one of the world’s most liveable cities.
“This project isn’t just about bridging the Molonglo River, it is about constructing the lead-in roads with intersections that link with the new suburb of Molonglo which will be the region’s commercial centre,” said Minister Steel. “The new bridge will provide a reliable connection for Canberrans in both directions to the City, Belconnen, Weston Creek and Woden and pave the way for expanded rapid bus routes.”
“Molonglo residents have been very vocal in their support of this project, and with heavy rainfall over the last several years repeatedly flooding Coppins Crossing, we understand why.
“We will work with the contractor to ensure the crossing remains open as much as possible as the bridge is built.”
Public transport has also been an important consideration, with the upgrade capable of supporting a future light rail connection. Two new bus stops will be built, along with a southbound queue jump bus lane (on the northern side of the bridge) to support better access to public transport.
The project also includes active travel links with off-road shared paths and on-road cycle lanes.
Detailed design is set to start in the coming months and is expected to be complete by the end of 2023. Construction will then start on the bridge and road approaches, which are expected to open to traffic around the end of 2025.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments on a 50:50 basis.