The contract for the Molonglo River Bridge, Canberra’s largest bridge project, has been awarded by the Federal and ACT Government.
The jointly-funded $172.7 million contract for the design and construction of the bridge and associated road and public transport infrastructure has been awarded to B.M.D Construction.
The completion of this project will transform the region and connect the growing suburbs of Molonglo and West Belconnen to the rest of Canberra.
In addition to the 227.5m bridge crossing the region’s largest river, 1.7km 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.
Federal Minister of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, Catherine King, said 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,” Ms King 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.”
ACT Minister for Transport and City Services, Chris Steel, said, “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.”
Mr Steel said Molonglo residents have been very vocal in their support of this project, and understandably so, with heavy rainfall over the last several years repeatedly flooding Coppins Crossing.
“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,” Mr Steel said.
Public transport has been an important consideration within the project, 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 to support better access to public transport.
The project also includes active travel links with off-road shared paths and on-road cycle lanes to make clean transport options more accessible to locals.
Federal Member for Bean, David Smith, said, “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.”
The new bridge will be integrated with the future Molonglo Commercial Centre and the government is 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 2023.
The bridge and road approaches are expected to open to traffic around the end of 2025.
