The Albanese Labor Government is building Australia's future, investing in the transport infrastructure Canberrans need to support a growing city.
Since coming to government, we've been backing Canberra - upgrading roads, investing in light rail and building bike paths and walkways to make journeys safer, smoother and more enjoyable.
We're investing another $53.5 million as part of the 2025-26 Federal Budget to support the next stage of growth and ensure projects across the territory can actually be delivered. This includes:
- $30 million to complete the Monaro Highway Upgrade
- $20 million to complete a final business case and commence detailed investigations for the Monaro Highway Upgrade Stage 2
- $3.5 million to complete the duplication of Gundaroo Drive
The Monaro Highway upgrade is a long-term series of road improvements which are delivering improved safety, freight efficiency and faster and smoother commutes for ACT residents.
We're investing a further $30 million to complete Stage 1 of the Monaro Highway upgrade and $20 million to start planning for Stage 2. This takes the Australian Government's total investment into the project to $165.3 million.
Stage 1 involves four sections and is expected to be complete in late 2027.
- A new overtaking lane between Williamsdale Road and Royalla Drive and left hand turn lane into Old Cooma Road - completed in July 2020.
- Lanyon Drive Intersection upgrade - work is underway.
- Hume intersections upgrades (Sheppard Street, Mugga Lane and Tralee Street); and
- Isabella Drive intersection upgrade.
Planning for the second stage is expected to commence in mid-2026 and be completed in mid-2028.
The Gundaroo Drive duplication is delivering a dual carriageway on Gundaroo Drive between Ginninderra Drive and the Barton Highway. It will also include intersection upgrades at Dumas Street, Owen Dixon Drive and Chuculba Crescent.
This $3.5 million investment will ensure the completion of this project, which is expected early this year. It takes the Australian Government's total commitment to the project to $30.3 million.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Local Government Catherine King:
"This Budget, we're investing in the transport infrastructure Canberrans need to support a growing city.
"We're injecting a further $50 million into the Monaro Highway to continue these critical upgrades, ensuring it's in good nick for residents and visitors - some of whom drive it every day.
"We will continue to work with the ACT Government to deliver the roads and rail projects that matter to most to Canberra."
Quotes attributable to Member for Canberra Alicia Payne:
"Road upgrades are important to ensuring the safety of Canberrans on their commutes, travelling to holidays and everything in between. Upgrades like these to the Monaro highway will benefit the many Canberrans who use it every day."
Quotes attributable to Member for Bean David Smith:
"I welcome this additional investment into critical infrastructure in the ACT. The Monaro Highway is a main atrial route for local residents and it is important that we get these improvements complete with the ACT Government."
Quotes attributable to Member for Fenner Andrew Leigh:
"Canberra is on the move - and we're laying the track and paving the way.
"With investment in light rail, bike paths and roads like the Monaro and Gundaroo upgrades, we're building a city that's faster, more efficient, and better connected.
"After a decade of Canberra being overlooked by the Liberals, these projects are about designing the future; making it easier for Canberrans to get around, connect with each other, and make the most of our growing city."
