Construction contract awarded for $107m ACT William Hovell Dr duplication

The $107.25 million duplication of William Hovell Drive in Canberra is a step closer to beginning major works with the construction contract awarded to Canberra Contractors. 

This project is jointly funded by the Australian and Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Governments. 

Construction is scheduled to begin in November this year and be completed by the end of 2028. 

“The signing of this contract represents a major milestone for this significant and complex project. 

“I, like many Belconnen residents, have been eagerly awaiting this day. 

“We will be sharing as much information as we can as early as we can so that commuters can plan ahead with their travel during this period of disruption. 

“Ultimately, this is a project which will ease congestion and improve the overall road alignment, enhancing capacity and improving safety,” Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne MLA said. 

This multi-million-dollar project will duplicate a 4.5-kilometre section of William Hovell Drive between John Gorton Drive and Drake-Brockman Drive. This upgrade will significantly improve safety, reduce congestion, and improve travel times for thousands of daily commuters between West Belconnen and the city. 

Key features of the project include: 

• Duplication of William Hovell Drive from the Glenloch Interchange through to Drake-Brockman Drive 

• A new asphalt off-road path along William Hovell Drive between Drake-Brockman Drive and John Gorton Drive 

• Active travel provisions in both directions 

• A signalised intersection of Drake-Brockman Drive/Kingsford Smith Drive and William Hovell Drive 

• Improving access into the Old Weetangera Cemetery 

• Improving the Bicentennial National Trail underpass to minimise conflict between users 

• Maintaining fauna connectivity with a “critter crossing” under the road and rope bridges above the road, which is the first in the ACT 

• Constructing retaining walls to ensure works remain within the road reserve and limit impacts on sensitive environmental areas 

“This is a welcome next step on the William Hovell Drive duplication and I know the community will be pleased to see that construction will start soon on this important infrastructure project. 

“I want to thank the community for their patience while we have navigated through getting the necessary approvals, and I look forward to seeing this work get underway,” Member for Ginninderra Yvette Berry MLA said. 

“William Hovell Drive is used daily by thousands of Canberrans. This upgrade will have a positive effect on the daily commutes of Canberrans, and help to ensure a smoother and safer journey no matter where they’re headed. 

“I’m glad that our Government is supporting this project and has awarded Canberra Contractors this tender,” Member for Canberra Alicia Payne said. 

Source: ACT Government – Media Releases; ACT Government – Built for CBR