Media Release: Katy Gallagher MLA
ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today announced that local company Cord Civil has been awarded the $9m contract for the construction of a new bus lane on Barry Drive, with work having commenced this week.
“This bus lane is part of the Belconnen to City corridor which is one of the busiest bus commuter routes in Canberra connecting people to Civic as well as the University of Canberra, CIT Bruce Campus, Calvary Hospital and the Australian National University,” the Chief Minister said.
“It is also part of the Belconnen to City Transitway which will reduce commuting time, by several minutes, between Belconnen and the City, particularly during peak periods. A recent independent study showed there is a strong case for the Barry Drive bus lane.
“This has the added benefit of making bus travel more attractive which we hope will take some cars off this busy road,” the Chief Minister said.
Surveys undertaken during the morning peak period along Barry Drive show that 1800 people were being moved in 31 buses along the corridor between 7.45 am and 9.15 am. This made up around 25% of all people travelling during that period, with that figure expected to increase over time.
“This work will result in a new dedicated bus lane on Barry Drive from Clunies Ross Street through to Kingsley Street in the City; a new bus station at City West servicing the new ANU Exchange development with improved bus connections and access; on and off-road cycling facilities along Barry Drive; and new pedestrian facilities,” the Chief Minister said.
“The Barry Drive stage of the Belconnen to City works are expected to be finished late in 2012 and subject to future funding, other stages of work will include bus priority measures along College Street and Haydon Drive in Belconnen and the duplication of College Street.
“The ACT Labor Government continues to deliver record investments in the transport needs of our growing city and is committed to building better roads and improving public transport.
“The commencement of construction of the bus lane on Barry Drive is yet another example of our commitment to ease peak hour congestion. This is in addition to the $4.3m Barry Drive and Clunies Ross Street intersection upgrade and will significantly improve transport in this critical corridor,” the Chief Minister concluded.
This page was last updated on 13 March 2012
