In an effort to bolster Canberra’s economic recovery, and support local jobs and businesses, the ACT Government is fast-tracking infrastructure and a pipeline of construction and design works.
ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, said that infrastructure investment was critical.
“The government is preparing a pipeline of shovel-ready infrastructure over the coming years, funding a program of feasibility and design work to get projects ready for construction,” Mr Steel said.
“These projects kickstart the delivery of a number of election commitments and will create around 40 jobs in the design phase, with 100 estimated during construction.
“We’re getting on with the work of consulting on and designing a shared path on Sulwood Drive between Athllon Drive and Drakeford Drive, including a pedestrian crossing at the Mannheim Street intersection to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists.”
Safety improvements will also be progressed at two high-use intersections on Streeton Drive Weston.
“Accidents and congestion are an issue at the two intersections with Heysen Street and Namatjira Drive and a feasibility study will be undertaken to determine how safety can be improved such as the installation of traffic lights,” Mr Steel said.
The ACT Government has also funded the detailed design of pedestrian and traffic improvements along Beltana Road in Pialligo following the release of preliminary sketch plans in late 2020.
“The design will include new paths, formalised parking spaces, traffic calming and construction of a left-in/left-out intersection from Beltana and Kallaroo Roads onto Pialligo Avenue,” Mr Steel said.
“This funding will finalise these designs so that it can move to the construction phase.”
Significant upgrades at three local shopping centres will move a step closer to construction, with detail design funded for upgrades at Campbell, Duffy and Kaleen (Gwydir Square) shops.
“We will be releasing designs in the coming months and asking for feedback from the local communities and businesses on the upgrades to these local shopping centres,” Mr Steel said.
The ACT Government will also be delivering on another commitment for open space improvements at Telopea Park.
Concept designs for a strategic plan to improve the overall landscape, lighting, tree cover and public amenity consistent with Telopea Park Heritage values, will be carried out.
“These projects are important to keep Canberrans employed and will provide the Canberra community with safer roads and paths and improve our streets and shopping centres,” Mr Steel said.
The ACT Jobs and Economic Recovery plan set a target to grow the employment base to 250,000 and the ACT Government said the territory remains well on track to meet this commitment.
For more information on these projects, go to www.cityservices.act.gov.au.
