Fairbairn Avenue and northbound Molonglo River bridges to open

The northbound Molonglo River bridge structure and Fairbairn Avenue twin bridges will open on Wednesday 11 November 2015, a major milestone in the $288 million Majura Parkway Project.

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher said the bridge openings will be a major step forward for Canberra’s road infrastructure network and will provide direct access between the Majura Parkway and Monaro Highway.

“The Majura Parkway project is the largest road project that has ever been undertaken in Canberra and is being jointly funded by the Australian and ACT governments,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The existing Majura Road is a key transport link supporting up to 18,000 vehicles a day, including 2,800 commercial or heavy freight vehicles.

“By 2030 Majura Parkway is forecast to carry around 40,000 vehicles, including up to 6,000 trucks.

“Once completed, this project will improve freight efficiency, as well as help to relieve congestion around Canberra airport.”

Senator for ACT Zed Seselja said the opening of the bridges will benefit locals in the ACT but also the greater Canberra Region by opening the freight corridor and connecting the Federal and Monaro Highways more seamlessly. 

“This stage of the Majura Parkway project will help reduce the amount of time it takes to get between north and south Canberra,” Senator Seselja said.

“With the launch of Ikea next week, the completion of these important sections of the broader Majura Parkway project will improve the flow of traffic in the area.”

ACT Minister for Roads and Parking Mick Gentleman said the additional road capacity will provide an improved road network for Canberra’s drivers and also be used as a freight route throughout the region.

“Freight carriers will be able to take a direct pathway through Canberra, which will encourage the region’s diversification and economic expansion,” Mr Gentleman said.

“The Australian and ACT governments place great importance on working in partnership for an efficient, safe and well-designed freight network.

“The next major milestone for the Majura Parkway project will be the opening of the southbound Molonglo River bridge.”

A number of changed traffic arrangements will be in place overnight on Tuesday 10 November to allow for the transition to using the bridges on the morning of Wednesday 11 November 2015.

Traffic will travel in both directions along the northbound Molonglo River bridge structure while the southbound structure is completed.

More information on traffic arrangements and the broader Majura Parkway project is online at www.majuraparkway.act.gov.au.