The iconic Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is to receive a makeover with the National Capital Authority (NCA) announcing the wining firm to perform the project.
Chief Executive of NCA, Sally Barnes said the project would see significant strengthening and widening works to increase the Bridge’s load-bearing capacity, vehicle and pedestrian safety barriers and wider shared pedestrian and cycleway paths.
Ms Barnes said SMEC, an engineering, management and development consultancy, won the open tender process to oversee the design of the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Renewal (CABR) project.
“The NCA is working collaboratively with the ACT Government to ensure major projects along Commonwealth Avenue, including the Raising of London Circuit and future Light Rail works, will not hamper business and community activities,” Ms Barnes said.
“There will be public consultation at relevant stages and the NCA will give regular updates to all stakeholders until the project is completed.”
Chair of the Federal Government’s Joint Standing Committee on the National Capital and External Territories, Alicia Payne said the nationally significant bridge was one of two major bridges crossing Lake Burley Griffin.
“It is a critical component of the transport network of Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT),” Ms Payne said.
“The Bridge was built in 1963 and will turn 60 years old in 2023,” she said.
“It is time to address the evolving needs of our modern modes of transport and ensure the Bridge will continue to serve future generations.”
Project Director of CABR, Greg Tallentire said background investigations would be conducted to support heritage and environmental impact assessments and traffic studies.
“The design is expected to take 10 months to finalise, and the project will commence in late 2023,” Mr Tallentire said.
“We will undertake the works in stages to minimise traffic disruptions and maintain operation as well as safe passage under the Bridge for all Lake users.”
