IMPROVING CONDITIONS FOR MOTORISTS AND PEDESTRIANS

Canberra is renowned for its road and path network and Urban Services Minister John Hargreaves said this image would be further enhanced in the 2005-06 Budget. 

“The Budget continues a significant capital works program, including the continuation of the $86 million Gungahlin Drive Extension.  With Gungahlin ultimately expected to be home for up to 90,000 people, it will be a crucial link in Canberra's transport network,” Mr Hargreaves said.

“The Budget will also see the completion of the $5 million upgrade of Pialligo Avenue from Morshead Drive to the Airport to ease traffic congestion.

“The Roads to Recovery program will continue with $6 million for stage two of the Sutton Road upgrade and $2 million for upgrading Boboyan Road to improve its safety.

“The Budget also provides $1 million for resealing Northbourne Avenue between Mouat Street and Barton Highway.

“Safety on our roads is again a focus, with $250,000 allocated for road safety improvements, $200,000 for arterial road lighting, $150,000 for upgrading arterial road barriers, $100,000 for traffic light upgrades, $500,000 for the ongoing bridge strengthening program and $250,000 for traffic safety measures at schools.

“A further $200,000 will be spent on new streetlighting and $200,000 on residential street improvements, such as traffic calming measures.  The neighbourhood improvement program will continue, with $500,000 to be spent on various improvements including paths such as removing ‘missing links’, and local area traffic management, such as installing speed humps and pedestrian crossings.

“The Government is also demonstrating our commitment to improving sustainable transport options by providing $350,000 for improving bus infrastructure, such as new bus stops and shelters. 

“The Budget provides $2 million over three years towards expanding the ACT’s footpath maintenance program, particularly in older suburbs.  This funding is in addition to the existing footpath maintenance program which sees about $2.8m spent each year.”  
Statement ends