The Australian and ACT governments are building Canberra’s largest ever bridge project, with a contract issued for the construction of the Molonglo River Bridge.
The contract for the design and construction of the bridge and associated road and public transport infrastructure has been awarded to B.M.D Construction Pty Ltd.
The completion of this project will transform the region and better 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.
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 and a southbound queue jump bus lane (on the northern side of the bridge) to support better access to public transport.
The project also includes important active travel links with off-road shared paths and on-road cycle lanes to encourage more Canberrans to get on a bike to get to their destination.
The new bridge will be integrated with the future Molonglo Commercial Centre and we are working closely to ensure both projects deliver the infrastructure this region needs.
Detailed design will start shortly and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.
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 and the contract awarded is worth $172.7 million.
For more details, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“The Australian Government understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times.
“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.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel:
“As our population grows, we’re building the right infrastructure our growing city needs, across road, rail and active travel projects, to make sure the Canberra of the 2030s stays 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.
“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.
“This is one of our city’s largest ever bridge projects, and I know the Molonglo community will be excited to see this next milestone reached and will be looking forward to construction getting underway as soon as possible.”
Quotes attributable to the Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:
“This is an important piece of infrastructure for the community and I’m pleased to see the process of turning it into reality coming together.
“I know many people will appreciate the change it will make to their day and their ability to get home sooner to spend time with their families.”
