Calls for Molonglo River bridge crossing to be fast-tracked

The almost 230-metre bridge would connect Denman Prospect to Whitlam and is listed for consideration in the next five years in the ACT's infrastructure plan.

But the Weston Creek Community Council has asked for the project to be accelerated as part of a COVID-19 stimulus, in a letter to Chief Minister Andrew Barr.

"Council would encourage positive consideration during the development of the next round of economic stimulus measures towards accelerating the John Gorton Drive Molonglo River Bridge Crossing project," the letter said.

Weston Creek Community Council president Tom Anderson said the council had been asking for the project for "several years".

He said the primary reason for the push for the bridge was to allow a second access road between the north and south of Canberra.

"You've only got the Tuggeranong Parkway, something happens to that. Access across the Molonglo is limited to Coppins Crossing and if there were to be an accident there on Coppins Crossing, or we're in flood," Mr Anderson said.

It comes as the first blocks in Whitlam are set to be released for sale by the Suburban Land Agency. The land release program slated 600 blocks for this financial year.

The council's letter was passed to Transport and City Services Minister Chris Steel. Mr Steel said development approvals were complicated due to a bridge crossing a sensitive environmental area.

"The final supporting planning development documentation is about to be submitted for the Planning Minister's consideration, and upon approval, a development application will be submitted for final development approval," he said.

In response to the acceleration of the project, Mr Steel said it was important due processes were followed.

"We need to undertake the necessary design and approval processes before we can construct such a significant piece of transport infrastructure and these are processes that can sometimes take time for complex projects," he said.

"I know how important this bridge crossing is to the Molonglo Valley region, particularly as it delivers fast, safe and sustainable travel while also supporting new urban development.

In its letter, the council said the project would ensure ongoing work for people who were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and the bridge should be included in a second round of stimulus measures for infrastructure.

It came after a similar call from business and property groups earlier this week, which asked the ACT government to urgently fast-track projects such as an upgraded National Convention Centre, a new Canberra Sports Stadium and the EPIC redevelopment.

Mr Barr said it would be "fiscally irresponsible" to commit to such projects.

The government has previously announced an infrastructure stimulus focus for "shovel ready" projects such as the Canberra Hospital Expansion (SPIRE) and light rail stage 2A.