The ACT Government has released its tender to upgrade Athllon Drive between Drakeford Drive, Wanniassa, and Sulwood Drive, Kambah, bringing the duplication of Athllon Drive in south Canberra a step closer.

Upgrades to the southern section between Kambah and Wanniassa include duplicating the road, new bus stops, intersection improvements, and a new pedestrian underpass under Sulwood Drive.

The duplication of one of the busiest roads in Canberra’s south is part of the Government’s plans to build the ACT’s future, ensuring Canberra remains one of the most liveable cities in the world for decades to come, Chris Steel, Minister for Transport and City Services, said.

“Upgrading Athllon Drive was a commitment by ACT Labor at the 2020 election. It’s outlined in our infrastructure priorities for Tuggeranong as a crucial transport corridor for motor vehicles, public transport, and active travel that will support future growth across the city and the region.”

More than 14,000 vehicles travel on Athllon Drive per day, including nearly 2,000 per hour in the peak periods, Mr Steel said.

It is expected the full duplication will cut at least two minutes off travel times for morning commuters on the R4 and R5.

“We welcome the commitment by the Federal Government to jointly-fund these upgrades, and it’s great to see work progressing to deliver this project for the Southside.”

Concept designs have been released for both the southern and northern sections of the project, between Shea Street and Melrose Drive in Phillip. The ACT Government will engage with local residents and community stakeholders in late 2023 to seek their views on the proposed upgraded intersection arrangements, public transport and active travel components, and landscaping.

“This investment in our infrastructure program will enable thousands of jobs from the conception stages through to planning, design, and construction,” Mr Steel said. “We continue to get on with the job of building the important infrastructure our growing city needs.”

For more information and to stay updated on this project, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au.