Released 16/04/2025
The ACT Government is delivering roads and associated infrastructure upgrades to improve access in and around the Molonglo Valley, to keep Canberra moving as we grow.
The construction of the new Molonglo River Bridge and completion of John Gorton Drive will transform the Molonglo region and better connect the suburbs of Molonglo including Denman Prospect and Whitlam to the rest of Canberra.
To aid in the construction of the new bridge, Coppins Crossing Road will need to be closed for up to three weeks to allow for steel girders to be lifted into place across Coppins Crossing Road.
Closure starts from 5am, Monday 28 April
Coppins Crossing Road will be closed between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue for a maximum period of up to three weeks, to allow for steel girders to be lifted into place safely by a crane.
The closure ensures the safety of road users, the public, and other personnel who would be present on and around the project site. During this closure the northern side girders will be lifted into place. The southern side steel girders can be lifted safely without closing Coppins Crossing Road.
Motorists are asked to avoid the area, including the Cotter Road and Streeton Drive intersection if possible. Please use these alternative detours:
- Southbound from Belconnen - from William Hovell Drive take the off ramp to Parkes Way and merge onto Tuggeranong Parkway.
- Northbound from Molonglo Valley - from John Gorton Drive turn onto Cotter Road then follow the ramp onto Tuggeranong Parkway and take left exit at Glenloch interchange to merge onto William Hovell Drive.
While the ACT Government will work to minimise the disruption, it will be important to ‘rethink your routine’. Consider travelling earlier or later to avoid peak times and allow for additional travel time.
Impacts to public transport
Public transport in the area will be affected. Bus Route 47 will not service Denman Prospect during the closure and only service stops between Belconnen and Whitlam.
Dedicated school services will continue to operate as normal from Denman Prospect. However, students who usually connect with the route 47 in Denman Prospect are advised to arrange alternative travel options to access their school services.
Students attending Evelyn Scott School via the route 47 temporary school only service may experience late arrival after the AM school bell. The afternoon school only service is also expected to experience some delays for the return journey after departing from Evelyn Scott School.
Visit the Transport Canberra website for information on alternative bus stops and impacts to school services during the diversions.
The road is expected to reopen on or before 17 May 2025.
Canberrans are reminded that Coppins Crossing Road is closed on Thursday 17 April between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue between 10am and 3pm only. This will enable the safe transfer of the girder transport system across the river.
About the project
The Molonglo River Bridge project is constructing a 200-metre-long bridge across the Molonglo Nature Reserve and river, 1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads leading to the bridge and two new intersections.
The new bridge, roads and intersections will provide access to the future Molonglo Town Centre from the suburb of Whitlam and future northern Molonglo Valley suburbs.
The works include important active travel links with off-road shared paths and a pedestrian underpass to encourage more Canberrans to ride or walk to get to their destination.
To safely view the crane in action, park at the Namarag Reserve carpark off Thancoupie Crescent and follow signs to a designated viewing area. For safety reasons, please do not go beyond barriers, slow down or stop on Coppins Crossing Road.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments as part of the Commonwealth's Investment Road and Rail Program.
To stay up to date on the impacts visit www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/travel-impacts
- Statement ends -
Infrastructure Canberra | Media Releases
«ACT Government Media Releases | «Directorate Media Releases