The Albanese Labor Government continues to partner with the Barr Government to improve the safety of highways in the Canberra and Queanbeyan-Palerang region, with $26.1 million in federal funding flowing to two priority upgrades.
The next stage of safety upgrades on the Monaro Highway will be supported by $17.5 million from the Albanese Government - building on the $230.5 million improvements already being delivered to this road network - jointly funded by both governments.
Over eight kilometres of the Monaro Highway will be rehabilitated, from the Jerrabomberra Creek intersection at Hindmarsh Drive to David Warren Road.
This includes both the south and northbound carriageways and on and off ramps on both sides.
The pavement rehabilitation work is expected to be completed later this year.
The Albanese Government is also delivering $8.6 million for improvements to the Kings Highway at Kowen.
Two kilometres, from the Mill Post Road intersection to the ACT/NSW border, will receive surface upgrades on both sides of the road - with work expected to finish in the middle of the year.
These projects are fully funded by the Albanese Government as part of $70 million in Roads to Recovery funding being delivered to the ACT Government over five years - a $30 million boost.
Construction tenders for these key safety improvements have closed, and tender evaluation is being carried out by the ACT Government.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain MP:
"Over 18,500 people from across the Queanbeyan-Palerang region cross into Canberra every day for work on both the Monaro and Kings Highways, with over 4,700 from the ACT heading onto our side of the border - which is why we're ensuring these critical road networks remain safe, and keep up with increasing demand.
"That's on top of thousands of people from across Eden-Monaro that use these highways every week to access important services in the ACT, and the tens of thousands from Canberra that head away on weekends to make the most of what our fantastic communities have to offer - from the coast to the snow."
Quotes attributable to ACT Minister for City and Government Services, Tara Cheyne MLA:
"We're ensuring commuters in Canberra and the surrounding regions have reliable roads and can safely travel between NSW and the ACT - which is exactly what these latest upgrades will support.
"We welcome this investment from the Albanese Government, and we'll continue to work together to deliver more priority upgrades for our growing region."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne MP:
"Road safety is everyone's concern, and I'm proud the Albanese Labor Government is delivering significant funding increases to the ACT Government to make support safer roads.
"These road upgrades will improve safety for Canberrans, whether on their daily commute, or visiting interstate family and friends."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP:
"Our region is growing, which is why we're partnering with the ACT Government to turn federal funding into local results - from roads, to important local services.
"We've increased funding for local roads, we're investing in other major projects, and we're committed to working with the ACT Government to continue delivering what Canberrans deserve."
