The bridge and road approaches are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2025.
27 February 2024
The Molonglo River Bridge is another step closer with construction underway.
The construction of the bridge and completion of John Gorton Drive will transform the Molonglo region.
It will also better connect the northern suburbs of Molonglo, including Whitlam, to the rest of the Molonglo Valley.
The 200-metre-long bridge will be built across the Molonglo Nature Reserve and the region’s largest river.
In addition, 1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads leading to the bridge will be built, as well as two new intersections.
This will provide access to the future Molonglo Group Centre from Whitlam and future northern Molonglo Valley suburbs.
The project also includes important active travel links with off-road shared paths and a pedestrian underpass to encourage more Canberrans to ride or walk to their destination.
Public transport has also been a strong consideration with the road network capable of supporting a future light rail connection.
However, in the meantime two new bus stops will be built along with two queue-jump bus lanes, paving the way for expanded rapid services in this growing region.
The project also provides for the habitat of native fauna such as platypus nesting sites, pink-tailed worm lizards, water birds and bats.
The project teams for this project and the future Molonglo Group Centre are working closely to ensure both projects deliver the infrastructure the region needs, both in transport and suburban life.
Work started on site in January this year with the realignment of the northern approach road to Coppins Crossing.
This is necessary to ensure access for construction vehicles and machinery to where the new bridge will be built and to minimise disruption to road users during the construction period.
Workers have also begun constructing sediment ponds. These are not only necessary as part of the environmental protections on site during construction but will be permanent ponds once construction is finished.
Foundation work for the future Molonglo River Bridge has started too. The bridge and road approaches are expected to open to traffic by the end of 2025.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments with the total project budget sitting at $225 million.
For more details on this project, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.
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