The ACT government will include $28.9 million for the full duplication of the Cotter Road in the territory budget to ease congestion and improve travel times.
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The announcement comes six months after the Canberra Liberals announced they would spend $25 million on the duplication if elected in September.
The government flagged the duplication in 2013 with a design study by engineering firm SMEC Australia that estimated a cost of $23.3 million, but no funds were allocated. Works approval for the project was also granted by the National Capital Authority in May last year.
Adjusted for inflation and contingency for overruns, the $28.9 million will be spread over forward estimates with the duplication expected to be completed during 2018-19.
The government has already completed a number of upgrades to the road including the installation of traffic lights at the Lady Denman Drive and Cotter Road intersections.
Transport Minister Meegan Fitzharris, who will announce the funding on Thursday morning, said the duplication was vital to connect Weston Creek and the Molonglo Valley.
"The ACT Government is committed to improving our transport network, no matter where you live, whether this means improving the bus services, investing in new modes, or upgrading our roads and cycle paths," she said.
Last year, opposition transport spokesman Alistair Coe said the road was congested during the morning period and the duplication should be treated as a priority.
Mr Coe also said delays would only get worse as the population of Molonglo Valley grew.
Weston Creek Community Council chairman Tom Anderson has voiced his support to the duplication, describing it as essential for those travelling from Tuggeranong, Belconnen and Gungahlin.
But Greens MLA Shane Rattenbury has been critical of the proposal insisting the government break Canberra's reliance on cars.
"I don't intend to support a motion that simply says 'duplicate a road' without presenting any evidence, especially when I know there is a more sophisticated debate about transport planning to be had," he said shortly after the Liberal announcement in September.
"As the election approaches, I expect to see both the Labor and Liberal party battle to outdo each other in the promise of road upgrades."
