Construction

Start date: January 2024.

Completion date: the road approaches and bridge are expected to open to traffic in December 2025.

Site establishment began in October 2023 with the site compound and associated buildings located off Hazel Hawke Avenue. Construction activities began in January 2024.

Initial works on site include the realignment of the northern approach road to Coppins Crossing. This is necessary as it will provide clear access to where we need to construct the bridge and minimise traffic impacts throughout construction.

Activities on site for the realignment works include:

• clearing works
• transportation of fill from the southern side of the project area (Denman Prospect side) across Coppins Crossing to the northern side – fill is material, including gravels and soils, which can be used to form the base layers of the realigned road
• construction of stormwater drainage
• installation of temporary street lighting and associated electrical works
• construction of the road pavement including an asphalt top layer
• landscaping and protection of the new road works.

In addition to these realignment works we have also commenced the construction of sediment ponds which are not only necessary as part of the environmental protections on site during construction but will remain as permanent ponds once construction is completed. Excitedly, foundation work for the future Molonglo River Bridge has also commenced.

Traffic and public transport impacts

Work will be carried out as dayworks between the hours of 7 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday and 6 am and 6 pm on weekends.

During the realignment works, there will be short closures of Coppins Crossing to allow truck movements from the southern side of the crossing (Denman Prospect) to the northern side (Whitlam). When the closure occurs, traffic will be temporarily stopped in both directions. Temporary traffic signals will be used during this time.

Small delays will be experienced by road users whilst the temporary traffic signals are in operation. Bus route 47 will continue to run during these works, however customers are to be aware there may be minor delays to servicing during these arrangements. These traffic arrangements will enable the realignment works to be completed more efficiently and within a shorter timeframe. We are monitoring for any traffic impacts across the road network and will make changes as required.

Access to Namarag (Molonglo River Reserve)

The former carpark and access trail from John Gorton Drive has permanently closed due to construction activities. Access to Namarag is now via Thancoupie Crescent in Whitlam. The short 70-metre walk from the new carpark emerges near the nature play space and lookout. Construction works will continue in the open space around the access track but both the carpark and track are open for use.

The detailed design phase is continuing and expected to be finalised in the second quarter of this year. During this phase, there have been some changes to the design as originally communicated publicly.

• The bridge was originally designed at 227.5 metres long, however it will now be 200 metres long. This is due to the realignment of the bridge across the Molonglo River.
• Two signalised intersections will be delivered by this project, this has reduced from the five communicated initially. The additional three signalised intersections are expected to be delivered by the Suburban Land Agency (SLA) as part of their construction works for the Molonglo Group Centre, subject to planning approvals.
• On-road cycle lanes are no longer being incorporated into this project. This is consistent with the approach being taken in the Molonglo Group Centre by the SLA. A shared path will be provided in both directions on the bridge, with off-road cycle lanes designed on the John Gorton Drive approaches consistent with the SLA Group Centre work.
• The design now includes two queue jump bus lanes. The first is northbound and located at the intersection adjacent to the Molonglo Group Centre and the second is southbound and located at Sculthorpe Avenue.