Commuters and tourists travelling to or from the Snowy Mountains region via Canberra can expect improved travel conditions on the Monaro Highway, thanks to a substantial funding boost from the Federal Government.
Committed to enhancing safety and connectivity, the federal government has allocated $17.5 million to support the next stage of safety upgrades on the Monaro Highway. This project builds upon the $230.5 million already invested in the road network, co-funded by both the Albanese and Barr governments.
PHOTO:Federal Member for Canberra, Alicia Payne (left), with Federal Member for Eden-Monaro Kristy McBain
The upgrade will see over eight kilometres of the Monaro Highway rehabilitated, extending from the Jerrabomberra Creek intersection at Hindmarsh Drive to David Warren Road. These improvements will cover both the south and northbound carriageways, as well as on-and-off ramps. The pavement rehabilitation is expected to conclude later this year, enhancing the daily travel experience for many who drive in and out of Canberra from our region.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government and Member for Eden-Monaro, Kristy McBain MP, noted that the improvements are critical, as “over 18,500 people from the Queanbeyan-Palerang region cross into Canberra every day.” She further emphasised the importance of maintaining road safety in response to increasing demand, highlighting that “we want people to be able to leave the ACT and spend their money in our regions across the mighty Eden-Monaro.”
PHOTO: On-route to Canberra on the Monaro Highway near Old Cooma Road CREDIT: ACT Government
The Monaro Highway is pivotal for those commuting to Canberra and tourists travelling to the Snowy Mountains, as confirmed by Federal Member for Bean, David Smith MP. “This significant funding to improve the road surface will be really helpful for people driving on it every single day, not only to go to work but to go to the snow as well,” Smith remarked, underscoring the road’s vital role in regional transport.
These investments are part of a larger $70 million Roads to Recovery initiative from the federal government.