Work has finally started on a new $10 million underpass for Bowen Place in Parkes near Lake Burley Griffin to give safer passage to pedestrians and cyclists.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
National Capital Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow said the underpass was due to be finished by late March, 2015.
"It's an important safety improvement to what is one of the most popular pedestrian/cycle routes around the lake and as well as a busy commuter, peak-hour road,'' he said.
"The whole purpose of this project is to significantly improve the safe passage of all road users through that area at all times.''
The crossing design includes a 300m-long path connecting Kings Avenue to the existing path network next to Lake Burley Griffin.
Pedestrians and cyclists will pass under the existing road at Bowen Place, allowing continuous access for all users. An interim crossing has been installed to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. This will stay in place during the construction of the crossing.
Mr Snow said for the most part traffic would continue to flow around the construction work.
"There may in the later stage need to be some temporary closure of part of the road just to enable the excavation work and the completion of the finished road pavement. But all of those will be advised to ensure there is minimal disruption to the public,'' he said.
The Bowen Place upgrade was put on hold by the National Capital Authority in November, 2011 as it juggled its budget to pay for unexpected major engineering works to Scrivener Dam.
