Main construction works begin on $107m William Hovell Dr duplication

A major milestone has been reached on the $107.25 million William Hovell Drive Duplication project in the ACT, with main construction works now underway.

The beginning of main works follows the completion of surveying, dilapidation assessments and site compound establishment over the last month.

Key features of the project include:

• Duplication of 4.5 kilometres of William Hovell Drive from Drake-Brockman Drive to John Gorton 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 upgrade will improve safety and ease congestion for the more than 20,000 motorists that use this corridor each day, and support Canberra’s growing northwestern suburbs.

The construction contract for the project was awarded to Canberra Contractors last year.

Project construction is expected to take up to three years to complete.

“William Hovell Drive is a daily pinch point for Canberra’s northwestern suburbs.

“This upgrade will turn a frustrating bottleneck into a safer, smoother corridor – giving Belconnen and Molonglo the road link their growth deserves,” Member for Fenner and Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh MP said.

“It’s great to see construction starting on the William Hovell Drive duplication, this project will make a huge difference to commuters and locals travelling from West Belconnen.

“Like many locals I use William Hovell Drive most days, I know the construction will be disruptive for us, but this will make a huge difference to the community for decades to come.

“Thank you to the community for their patience while we work through the relevant approvals to get this project started,” ACT Member for Ginninderra Yvette Berry said.

Long-term modelling indicates that Belconnen’s population could go over 185,000 people by 2065 while Molonglo Valley could see an increase of 79,000 residents living in the area, increasing demand for safer and more efficient transport infrastructure.

The $225 million joint investment to construct a new bridge over the Molonglo River – expected to open to traffic later this year – alongside the William Hovell Drive Duplication will support the future housing growth in Ginninderry, Denman Prospect, Whitlam and Molonglo.

Travel updates, detour maps and construction alerts will be made available on the Built for CBR website. The ACT Government will continue working closely with the community to provide timely information as well as support throughout the project’s construction.

The William Hovell Drive Duplication is jointly funded by the Australian and ACT Governments.

“Labor Governments have a proud record of investing in the infrastructure Canberra needs.

“Our Government is focused on delivery, so it is pleasing to see works starting on this important project, and the nearby new Molonglo River Bridge coming together at pace.

“We are also partnering with the ACT Government to plan for the future, with a $50 million investment in this year’s Budget to duplicate priority sections of Drake-Brockman Drive,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

“This marks a significant milestone in delivering this vital infrastructure project. The upgrades will support continued population growth in Belconnen and Ginninderry by boosting the capacity, efficiency and safety of this key east-west corridor.

“The improvements will not only ease traffic congestion, but also encourage active travel, with new cycling and pedestrian paths creating a direct and accessible link to the city for residents in West Belconnen and Molonglo.

“As our city grows, so must our services. This project supports better access to emerging suburbs and ensures our transport network can meet the needs of future generation.

“This is a great example of governments working together to deliver for the community. I’m proud to see construction underway on a project that will benefit Canberra for generations to come,” ACT Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; ACT Government – Media Releases; Built for CBR