$15M MOLONGLO ROAD WORKS START SOON

The ACT Government is moving forward with the development of the Molonglo Valley with work starting in August on stage two of John Gorton Drive - the main arterial road connecting the new suburbs of Wright and Coombs.

Chief Minister and Minister for Transport, Jon Stanhope said the contract for the $15 million works was awarded to local firm Kenoss Contractors and would be completed by late 2011.

"The works include the construction of 1.3 kilometres of road, bus lanes in each direction and cycle lanes," Mr Stanhope said. "It is part of a $55 million investment by the ACT Government for new roads and infrastructure in the Molonglo Valley, which will eventually be home to about 55,000 Canberrans."

The road will be constructed from the new T-intersection on Cotter Road to an interim connection with Uriarra Road.

Service roads will also be built to provide access to the adjacent residential estates.

"The completed John Gorton Drive will connect the first two suburbs in the Molonglo Valley- Wright and Coombs," Mr Stanhope said.

Mr Stanhope said work was also progressing on the duplication of the Gungahlin Drive Extension with tenders called for the final package of works by mid August. These works include the construction of roads connecting to several bridges north of Belconnen Way to the Barton Highway.

The Government expects to award the contract by October.

Media Contact:

Jess Wurf 6205 0504 0411 772 700 jess.wurf@act.gov.au