Released 29/07/2026
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 new Molonglo River Bridge and completion of John Gorton Drive will significantly enhance connectivity across the Molonglo region and the wider Canberra road network and improve travel between the western suburbs including Denman Prospect and Whitlam.
To ensure the safety of road users, the public and on-site personnel, Coppins Crossing Road between Holborow Avenue and Hazel Hawke Avenue, will be temporarily closed in both directions from 2am Wednesday 12 August to 6pm Friday 14 August. A contingency may extend the closure until 6pm Saturday 15 August. Details will be updated on the Built for CBR Travel Impacts page if this occurs.
The temporary closure is required to install safety rails and throw screen barriers on the northbound side of the bridge directly over Coppins Crossing Road. Similar safety measures were installed on the southern side in June.
During the closure, motorists are encouraged to rethink their routine, avoid travel during peak periods, and plan ahead to allow extra time for their journey.
Detours are as follows:
- Southbound from Belconnen: From William Hovell Drive, take the off ramp to Parkes Way and merge onto the Tuggeranong Parkway.
- Northbound from Molonglo Valley: From John Gorton Drive, turn onto Cotter Road then follow the ramp onto the Tuggeranong Parkway, and take the left exit at Glenloch interchange to merge onto William Hovell Drive.
Future updates will be provided on the Built for CBR website.
For details of changes to public transport during the closure, please refer to the Transport Canberra website at https://www.transport.act.gov.au/news/service-alerts-and-updates.
Works have also commenced on the nearby William Hovell Drive Duplication. Motorists are reminded that road conditions in this area have changed. The speed limit through this 4.5km work zone has been reduced from 90km/h to 60km/h and applies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Even outside construction hours, motorists will be travelling through temporary traffic arrangements, barriers and a work environment with less room for error.
About the project
The Molonglo River Bridge project is constructing a 200-metre-long bridge across the Molonglo Nature Reserve and river, as well as 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 such as off-road shared paths and a pedestrian underpass to encourage more Canberrans to ride or walk to their destination.
This project is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments as part of the Commonwealth's Infrastructure Investment Program.
To stay up to date on the impacts, visit www.act.gov.au/builtforcbr/travel-impacts
We thank the community for their patience, as we work to keep Canberrans and project workers safe on-site during construction.
- Statement ends -
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