Roadworks, Transport News

Molonglo River Bridge project hits major milestone

The federal and ACT governments have secured a contract to construct the transformative Canberra bridge

The federal and ACT governments say Canberra’s largest ever bridge project has hit a critical milestone as a contract has been 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.

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) will be erected to support better access to public transport.

The new bridge will be integrated with the future Molonglo Commercial Centre. Detailed design will start shortly and is expected to be complete by the end of the year.


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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 federal and ACT governments on a 50:50 basis and the contract awarded is worth $172.7 million.

“The federal government understands the importance of investing in infrastructure that supports growing populations, reduces congestion and improves travel times,” federal transport minister Catherine King says.

“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.”

ACT transport minister Chris Steel says the project is integral to building the right infrastructure for Canberra’s growing population.

“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,” Steel says.

“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.

“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.”

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