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Wednesday, 23rd June 2010

Bridge Upgrades Will Save Truck Drivers Time And Money


Truck drivers will get better access to the businesses in Canberra’s north following completion of strengthening work on the Ginninderra Creek Bridges as well as two culverts in Mitchell.


Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese said funding for these projects had been approved under second and final funding round of the Rudd Labor Government’s $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.


“The engineering work we’re funding will allow Ginninderra Drive as well as Callan Street and Baillieu Court in Mitchell to be used by heavier trucks, thereby making it easier for drivers to get around Canberra’s northern suburbs to do their deliveries and make their pickups,” said Mr Albanese.


“Since coming to office we’ve been working with the trucking industry, as well as the states and territories, to address the lack of roadside facilities and open up more of the nation’s road network to trucks – actions which are making the industry safer and even more productive while lowering the costs for individual operators.


“In the years ahead, the trucking industry will also benefit from the unprecedented investment we’re making in the State’s highways as well as the 2013 introduction of one set of nationwide heavy vehicle laws administered by a single national regulator.”


A map showing the location of the approved projects is attached.


The four projects are being jointly funded, with the Rudd Labor Government contributing $510,000 and the Stanhope Labor Government a further $710,000.


ACT Chief Minister Jon Stanhope said the bridge and culvert strengthening projects announced today builds on the work that has already occurred as a result of the funding provided under the Program’s first round.


“Initially we thought we had sufficient funding to assess the load capacity of 45 of the Territory’s bridges and culverts but in the end we were able to do 66, identifying five bridges requiring strengthening,” said Mr Stanhope.


“Together with the Federal Government we are building a better, safer road network for Canberrans as well as the truck drivers that keep our economy going and our supermarket shelves stocked.”


Nationwide, the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program to date is funding 34 new and 59 refurbished rest stops; 9 new and 18 refurbished parking bays; 5 new and 16 refurbished decoupling bays; 15 bridge strengthening projects, and 14 warning sign projects.


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Electorate Office

334a Marrickville Rd
Marrickville NSW 2204

Phone: 02 9564 3588

Parliament House Office

Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Phone: 02 6277 7700

Phone: (02) 9564 3588
Fax: (02) 9564 1734
Email: A.Albanese.MP@aph.gov.au

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