The detailed design and construction contract for a new southbound flyover of the Monaro Highway over Lanyon Drive has been awarded to a local ACT company, Woden Contractors.

The Australian and ACT governments consider this a significant milestone: they say the contract represents a $70 million investment to make the highway safer, improve travel times, and support freight movements. 

The contract also includes upgrading the highway road pavement from David Warren Road to Sheppard Street, and a new widened bridge on the northbound carriageway over Dog Trap Creek just north of Lanyon Drive.

Another major package of works for the interchange is planned for 2024, subject to environmental and other approvals. This will remove traffic lights at the Alexander Maconochie Centre, extend David Warren Road to Lanyon Drive, and a new roundabout and signalised intersection will connect with a new Monaro Highway off-ramp and Sheppard Street.

The Lanyon Drive interchange is being designed to minimise the impact on native vegetation, the governments say. The landscaping plans will focus on local and native species, prioritising tree planting, water sensitive urban design, and conserving biodiversity.

Major construction works are expected to start in 2024 and take three years to complete.

Previous works on the Monaro Highway Upgrade have already been completed as part of a program of works the Australian and ACT governments jointly funded.

This includes completed safety improvements and new overtaking lanes on the rural section of the Monaro Highway between Old Cooma Road and Williamsdale Road in the ACT.

Two gas mains will be relocated soon.

Extensive utility works, which started in January 2022, have also been completed near Lanyon Drive in preparation for the flyover, including relocating and protecting major watermains and telecommunication networks. 

For more details, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.