Construction has begun on road and path improvements on Sulwood Drive, including access to the Mount Taylor Nature Reserve, Tara Cheyne, minister for city services, announced.
“Mount Taylor is a hugely popular recreation destination, so we’re building better infrastructure to improve safety and access for all people who visit the nature reserve – not just vehicles, but also walkers and cyclists,” Ms Cheyne said.
These improvements include a 4 km off-road shared path, new traffic signals at Mannheim Street and Sulwood Drive, two new raised pedestrian crossings, road pavement rehabilitation, and new paths and access points into the Mount Taylor carpark, including a new dedicated right-turn lane into it.
To complete the works as safely and efficiently as possible, Sulwood Drive will be closed in both directions between Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue from Monday 6 May for approximately 13 weeks (weather permitting).
“We acknowledge this road closure will be disruptive for the local community,” Ms Cheyne said. “A full road closure for 13 weeks avoids extended partial closures which would create even longer disruption and delay the completion of this important project. We will be monitoring traffic impacts during the closure and will make changes to measures such as signal timing if required.”
Once the roadworks are completed, construction will begin on the 4-kilometre shared path along the southern side of Sulwood Drive between Drakeford Drive and Athllon Drive.
“There are currently no off-road nor formal on-road active travel facilities on this section of Sulwood Drive, a key missing link in our cycling and walking network,” Ms Cheyne said.
“This new shared path will encourage more people to walk or ride whether they are commuting or being active recreationally. More information about construction of the shared path, including timeframes for completion, will be provided ahead of works beginning.”
A preliminary design has been prepared for the duplication of Athllon Drive’s southern section between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive in Tuggeranong.
Athllon Drive will be duplicated to deliver two lanes in each direction between Drakeford Drive and Sulwood Drive. New and upgraded bus stops, and improvements to the C4 active travel route with a new underpass beneath Sulwood Drive and new traffic lights are proposed.
“We remain committed to delivering the full duplication of Athllon Drive,” Ms Cheyne said. “The project supports Canberra’s integrated transport network in meeting the needs of future population growth and supporting a sustainable ACT for all Canberrans.”
The government will hold information sessions for the community to view and discuss the design ahead of the upcoming planning and environmental approvals processes. Feedback is invited by 1 June.
Details of the information sessions are:
Session 1: Monday 20 May, 4 pm to 5.30 pm, Tuggeranong Library
Session 2: Saturday 25 May, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, Wanniassa Shops
The government intends to duplicate the northern section between Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive in Woden. A preliminary design will be prepared and shared with the community, before the government seeks planning and environmental approvals.
The first package of works was completed last year, including two new raised crossings on Inkster Street and Livingston Avenue and associated streetlighting.
“Canberra is growing and we’re committed to investing in our road network whilst also improving cycling, walking and public transport infrastructure, ensuring that Canberrans have a choice in how they commute and move around our city,” Ms Cheyne said.
For more information on these projects, visit www.cityservices.act.gov.au/Infrastructure-Projects
