Released 10/05/2024
The ACT Government is building the infrastructure our growing city needs with construction beginning on road and path improvements on Sulwood Drive and the upcoming release of the preliminary design and associated public information sessions for the Athllon Drive duplication between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive in Tuggeranong.
The ACT Government is delivering improvements along Sulwood Drive for drivers, walkers and cyclists, including access to the Mount Taylor Nature Reserve.
This includes the construction of a new 4-kilometre long off-road shared path, new traffic signals at Mannheim Street and Sulwood Drive, two new raised pedestrian crossings, road pavement rehabilitation and new paths and access points into the Mount Taylor carpark.
The first package of works was completed last year including two new raised crossings on Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue and associated streetlighting.
“Mount Taylor is a hugely popular recreation destination, so we’re building better infrastructure to improve safety and access for all people who visit the nature reserve – not just vehicles, but also walkers and cyclists,” said Minister for City Services Tara Cheyne.
“The next stage of works to be completed are the road upgrades including new traffic lights at the Mannheim Street intersection, road pavement rehabilitation and improvements to the access points for the Mount Taylor carpark including a new dedicated right-turn lane into the carpark.”
To complete the works as safely and efficiently as possible, Sulwood Drive will be closed in both directions between Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue from Monday 6 May 2024 for approximately 13 weeks (weather permitting).
“We acknowledge this road closure will be disruptive for the local community. A full road closure for 13 weeks avoids extended partial closures which would create even longer disruption and delay the completion of this important project. We will be monitoring traffic impacts during the closure and will make changes to measures such as signal timing if required.”
Following completion of the roadworks, construction will begin on the new 4-kilometre long shared path along the southern side of Sulwood Drive between Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive.
“There are currently no off-road nor formal on-road active travel facilities on this section of Sulwood Drive, a key missing link in our cycling and walking network,” said Minister Cheyne.
“This new shared path will encourage more people to walk or ride whether they are commuting or being active recreationally. More information about construction of the shared path, including timeframes for completion, will be provided ahead of works beginning.”
Also southside, major upgrades for Athllon Drive have taken another step forward with a preliminary design prepared for the duplication of the southern section between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive.
“We remain committed to delivering the full duplication of Athllon Drive. The project supports Canberra’s integrated transport network in meeting the needs of future population growth and supporting a sustainable ACT for all Canberrans,” said Minister Cheyne.
Athllon Drive will be duplicated to deliver two lanes in each direction between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive. In addition, new and upgraded bus stops, and improvements to the C4 active travel route with a new underpass beneath Sulwood Drive and new traffic lights are proposed.
“We’re holding information sessions for the community to view and discuss the design ahead of the upcoming planning and environmental approvals processes. The preliminary design for the southern section will be on display during these sessions and feedback is invited by 1 June 2024.”
Details of the information sessions are:
Session 1: Monday 20 May, 4 pm to 5.30 pm, Tuggeranong Library
Session 2: Saturday 25 May, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Wanniassa Shops
Detailed design is also underway on the duplication of the northern section between Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive in Woden. A preliminary design will be prepared and shared with the community, prior to planning and environmental approvals being sought for this section of the project.
"Canberra is growing and we’re committed to investing in our road network whilst also improving cycling, walking and public transport infrastructure, ensuring that Canberrans have a choice in how they commute and move around our city," Minister Cheyne concluded.
For more information on these projects, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au/Infrastructure-Projects
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases