Over 10km of new paths will be under construction around Canberra by the end of this month, including 26 projects announced today, signifying the end of the first round of the ACT Government's fast-track program to support local businesses and keep Canberrans working.
Minister for Roads and Active Travel, Chris Steel, today announced the final 26 projects to be included in the ACT Government's $9.75 million investment to fast track small scale infrastructure projects and support the construction industry during COVID-19.
"As Canberrans move around their local neighbourhoods it's almost impossible not to see the Government's job and economic stimulus in action – from tree planting on Summerland Crescent in Kambah, to new footpaths on Cotter Road, a pedestrian crossing in the Belconnen Town Centre and extra cleaning at our bus interchanges," Minister Steel said.
"We are keeping Canberrans employed as we move through and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic, while making our city look even better and making it safer for Canberrans to move around.
"Since the fast-track program commenced in April 2020, we've announced 30 new footpaths and 5 new road safety improvements and today we are announcing the remaining 24 paths and 2 more road safety improvements to finalise our first round of local infrastructure stimulus, with around 16 path and road safety projects already complete.
"Today's announcement includes a new 265m long footpath behind the Higgins shops, a new 290m off-road cycle path from the Barton Highway to Ellenborough Street in North Lyneham, a 430m long path along Bernacchi Street in Mawson and a new shared zone on Abena Avenue in Crace.
"These projects are in addition to the suburban upgrades we've already committed to and are delivering on – like our Age Friendly footpath upgrades in suburbs like Holt and Campbell, the new carpark we're building in Palmerston and the Belconnen Bikeway which is nearing completion.
"We've also this week completed the final stage of the Flemington Road shared path between Morisset Road and Well Station Drive, which is expected to open to the public next week and will improve access to businesses in Mitchell and provide an important connection to our light rail network.
"These investments not only make our city more liveable, they keep Canberrans in jobs. Over 1000 people have been employed in worksites across the Government doing work like upgrading our schools and community facilities, all while supporting hundreds of local businesses. 180 of these jobs have been on our path and road safety projects and we know this figure will continue to grow as more of these projects get underway," Minister Steel said.
