Member for Monaro Steve Whan committed to the upgrade when he was first elected, and gained $8million of state funding for the NSW portion of the road.

Mr Whan said the project could not go ahead until remaining funds from the federal and ACT governments were obtained.

''It wasn't until Mike Kelly was elected that we saw the Rudd Government come to the party and provide the remaining funding that has enabled this important cross-border link to go ahead,'' he said.

The $19million project will comprise of $7.5million from the Federal Government, $3.5million from ACT, and the NSW Government's contribution of $8million.

''It's a new era in the cross-border roads,'' Mr Whan said.

''We've got the work that the ACT Government and the [Federal Government] are doing on Pialligo Avenue, which is improving Queanbeyan residents' access as well. Then we've got the three governments involved on the Kings Highway.

''From where we were a decade ago in this area it's a massive change, and I think that it's really positive.''

The project will see duplication of Lanyon Drive from Sheppard Street in Hume to the Tompsitt Drive roundabout.

Mr Whan said once completed the duplication would result in significant reductions in congestion and improvements in safety.

''Residents of Jerrabomberra and Queanbeyan will certainly notice the difference,'' he said.

''Queanbeyan and Jerrabomberra residents constantly tell me that easing the commute to Canberra for work is one of their highest priorities.

''My understanding of this is that they'll build a new bridge and a carriageway and divert the cars over that and demolish the old railway bridge and rebuild it.''

Mr Whan said construction would begin in the next two weeks and was expected to be completed by 2011.

''Obviously people need to be patient while construction is underway, the construction company will try and keep any disruption to a minimum, but I urge people to be patient because the end result is well worth it,'' he said.