For reference, these signs were installed in March 2020. Photo: David Murtagh.
Many Tuggeranong residents may have been thinking they’d never see the day.
But with $6.8 million sent its way in the 2025/26 ACT Budget, works are finally set to begin on the long-awaited duplication of Athllon Drive on the 2.4 km stretch between Sulwood Drive and Drakeford Drive in Kambah – specifically, “enabling works”.
The project was first promised in the lead-up to the 2016 election and then again in 2020, with the last update in 2024 being the release of “preliminary deigns”.
But this week, the construction machinery is rolling in.
Dale and Hitchcock Civil Pty Ltd has been contracted to “lay the groundwork for a safer, upgraded active travel path along the corridor, helping to benefit pedestrians, cyclists and local community and reduce project risk during the main construction work”.
Underground services will be relocated, the active-travel paths on either side of the road upgraded – and new ones constructed – and better lighting installed.
All up, it’s estimated to take six months to complete, weather permitting.
The government acknowledges Athllon Drive is a “vital road” for commuters, bus passengers and school children.
More than 14,000 vehicles use it every day and about 2000 per hour in peak times.
It’s estimated the duplication will also shave two minutes off travel times for the R4 and R5 bus services every weekday morning.
The initial works are not expected to have much impact on motorists, but signage will be installed to guide pedestrians and cyclists along detours.
A concept design for the southern end of the Athllon Drive duplication. Image: ACT Government.
A tender for the main construction works will be issued later this year, pending planning approvals and procurement activities.
As for the rest of the Athllon Drive, the government says design is under way on the 600 m northern section between Hindmarsh Drive and Melrose Drive, with planning approvals to be lodged later this year.
So far, the intersection with Shea Street has been upgraded with traffic light to provide better access to the new Woden bus depot.
The whole project is jointly funded by both the federal and ACT governments as part of the Commonwealth Government’s Investment Road and Rail Program.
Meanwhile, this year’s Budget also allocated $385,000 towards the duplication of Gundaroo Drive in Belconnen, with a completion date for that long-awaited project set at June 2026.
Planning work will also begin for upgrades to Gungahlin Drive, Mirrabei Drive and other sections of Gundaroo Drive.
