Almost $10 million worth of infrastructure projects have been fast tracked to help keep Canberra's construction sector working during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Upgrades to cycleways, road and footpaths have been brought forward with the aim of completing construction by the end of June.
Many of the projects were originally set to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.
Other projects outlined by Transport Minister Chris Steel on Wednesday as part of the $9.75 million program include upgrades to open spaces, as well as new pedestrian crossings in Narrabundah and Belconnen.
"The construction sector is going to be a vital sector for the economy and will continue to operate in the pandemic, but it will be vital for recovery as we come out of it," Mr Steel said.
"Now is a critical time to invest in infrastructure and governments around Australia shouldn't be stepping back from infrastructure during this because it's important for the recovery."
The works that will be carried out will be done through existing government contracts and aim to keep those already in the sector in work.
However, Mr Steel said there was potentially an opportunity for those without work to pick up jobs as part of the fast-tracked projects.
"The government is taking up the slack where the private sector may not be putting out a lot of work into the market," he said.
"Particularly where private projects have stopped, like at ANU, those workers may be able to be employed by those working on government contracts."
Development applications would not be required for the upgrades, allowing the works to begin as soon as possible.
The minister did not say how many people would be employed as part of the new infrastructure projects.
The projects also extend to other services including improving facilities at Transport Canberra depots and deep cleaning and repainting bus shelters across the ACT.
Master Builders Association of the ACT chief executive Michael Hopkins welcomed news of the program outlined by the government.
"At a time when everyone in the construction industry is seeing a drop off in forward projects down the pipeline, it's important that the government bring forward or increase spending to keep it working," Mr Hopkins said.
"There are close to 25,000 people who work in construction, and all of their jobs are relying on government and private clients keeping investment into infrastructure and community and residential buildings going."
Many of the projects that will form the program had been previously identified for improvement by community members as part of consultation measures, along with advocacy groups such as cycling organisation Pedal Power.
"The projects we are focusing on are projects that we can deliver immediately and where there is no significant risk to supply chains for materials used for construction," Mr Steel said.
It comes after upgrades to the Tuggeranong laneways project were disrupted after many materials were set to come in from Wuhan, the epicentre of the coronavirus outbreak in China.
"We are working with local companies that we have an existing partnership with to deliver the projects," Mr Steel said.
Further projects will be added to the scheme in coming weeks.