The Federal and ACT Governments have announced funding to fast-track upgrades to the Monaro Highway.
In a joint announcement, Prime Minister, Scott Morrison and Acting ACT Chief Minister, Yvette Berry said the $200 million project would include widening works and safety upgrades to relieve congestion along the corridor.
“Residents of South Canberra and Tuggeranong will benefit from an acceleration of funding for upgrades to the Monaro Highway,” Ms Berry said.
The Prime Minister said his Government’s plan for a stronger economy meant critical road project work could be brought forward as part of a $100 billion infrastructure pipeline.
Mr Morrison said the fast-tracking of $30 million funding for the Monaro Highway to the 2020-2021 financial year would help to expedite the upgrades, which are set to increase safety, improve freight productivity and boost tourism in the region.
“By bringing funding forward, we can get on with our infrastructure commitments like the Monaro Highway upgrade which will cut travel times and increase road safety while driving more jobs in the ACT,” Mr Morrison said.
Ms Berry said the ACT Government would bring forward $15 million of its contribution to the works, which would allow the first $45 million of major works to commence in the 2020-21 financial year.
“The ACT Government has detailed a 10-year $14 billion Infrastructure Plan to provide services and jobs to our community, and to grow our regional economy,” she said.
“Completing the upgrades between Royalla Drive and Williamsdale Road and upgrades to the Old Cooma Road intersection in time for the 2020 ski season will help keep Canberrans safe on the roads,” Ms Berry said.
