The Australian and ACT Governments have today announced that SMEC Australia has been selected to undertake and complete the detailed design work on the new Majura Parkway.
The Majura Parkway project was announced earlier this year and construction is expected to be underway towards the end of 2012.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, said the awarding of the $6.5 million contract is another significant milestone in the delivery of this long-awaited piece of infrastructure, one which will make it easier for Canberrans to get around their city as well as taking trucks off residential streets.
“Assessed and recommended by
Infrastructure Australia, construction of this road will over time generate economic, social and environmental benefits worth almost $1 billion,” said Mr Albanese.
“Put simply, this new road is an investment in Canberra’s future.
“But the new Majura Parkway is just one part of our record capital works program. Labor at both the Federal and Territory level is working together to put in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure befitting Canberra’s status as the nation’s capital.”
The Majura Parkway will be an 11.5 kilometre long dual carriageway, with the Gillard and Gallagher Labor governments each providing $144 million towards its construction.
ACT Territory and Municipal Services Minister Simon Corbell welcomed the finalisation of the forward design consultancy, a process which will build on the preliminary work done as part of the initial Environment Impact Statement.
“Once completed and open to traffic in 2016, the Majura Parkway will be an important north-south transport link, providing a direct connection between the Federal and Monaro Highways,” said Mr Corbell.
“By 2030, it’s expected this new road will be carrying 40,000 vehicles a day, including up to 6,000 trucks. Indeed it will significantly improve the movement of freight both nationally and within our own region.”
For more information about the project, go to:
www.majuraparkway.act.gov.au.