$38M Molonglo Roads, Pond Contract Awarded

[Buzz Killington]

The first road works in the new Molonglo Valley development are about to start, with the awarding of contracts for the construction of an arterial road, a brand new pond and pedestrian bridge, Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope, announced today.

Mr Stanhope said the $38 million contract for the works has been awarded to local company Hewatt Earthworks Pty Ltd with work to start next month. The work will take 18 months to complete and employ up to 60 workers.

The Molonglo Valley, located to the west of central Canberra, between Belconnen and Weston Creek, will eventually be home to about 55,000 Canberrans.

"The ACT Government is moving forward with the first suburbs of the Molonglo Valley to increase Canberra's land supply and open up an important new development front on the south-side," Mr Stanhope said.

"I am pleased to announce that work starts next month on the major arterial road connecting the first two suburbs in Molonglo - Wright and Coombs. This $38 million investment will deliver the first stage of John Gorton Drive, which includes a dedicated bus and transit lane."

Stage one of the road works will see the first 2.3 kilometres of John Gorton Drive constructed from the intersection of Cotter Road and Streeton Drive to an interim connection with Coppins Crossing Road. This work includes the construction of the new Weston Creek Bridge.

Mr Stanhope said work would also commence on a brand new 14-hectare pond with a perimeter length of 2.3 km and a pedestrian bridge. The pond will be similar in size to the Point Hut pond in Gordon.

"I expect the pond will become a major feature in the Molonglo Valley. The Government has yet to formally name the pond and I am inviting Canberrans to put forward their ideas for a suitable name, perhaps recognising the contribution of a fellow Canberran," he said.

Suggestions for the name can be emailed to communicationsandengagement@act.gov.au by 31 March February 2010.

Cyclists will be able to access Stromlo Forest Park or Cotter Road using a temporary cycle path while the road works take place.

The tenders for the second stage of the road works are currently being assessed

[Buzz Killington]

Good to see some forward thinking for a change here - two traffic lanes, a bus lane and a local traffic lane.

The Greens  have the right idea (never thought I'd say that) on servicing the new suburbs from the outset:

"It's often said that Canberra is a 'car city'.  Building Molonglo from scratch gives us a chance to have fast and frequent public transport, on dedicated routes that will provide a very attractive alternative to the private vehicle," Greens Transport spokesperson Amanda Bresnan said.

"Let's not make the mistake of trying to add public transport only when demand grows.  It needs to be there from the very beginning to nurture a culture of public transport use."

[Sir Pompously]

Forward thinking that should have been used when constructing Gungahlin. Glad to see they are placing in more than just 1 traffic lane with the Bus Lane and having two for traffic flow.

[lukeo25]

I wonder what route numbers action will alocate to molonglo, 90 series or extend the 26 or 28 to operate via molonglo.  But its good transport will be available from the start of the development insted of gaining it when the demand grows.

[Buzz Killington]

The 90 series is taken, Luke (Except for 90)

They could extend the Weston Creek routes, or use one of the free numbers such as 20, 29 83-87 and 89