A new phase of work on the Belconnen to Canberra CBD transitway project is about to start, set to cost $3 million, and aimed at improving public transport facilities around university and health precincts on Haydon Drive, and into College Street.
This part of Belconnen is considered one of Canberra’s busiest for traffic congestion, servicing the University of Canberra and nearby suburbs.
Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Shane Rattenbury says the overall transitway project will create a corridor of enhanced public transport infrastructure between Belconnen and the City – one of Canberra's key commuter routes.
"The recently completed Barry Drive bus lanes already improve bus travel, and these new works in Belconnen will improve the transitway even more," he says.
"This stage of the project constructs a dedicated bus lane on College Street, improved pick up and set down facilities outside Radford College, new bus stops on Haydon Drive and College Street, and improved walking and cycling facilities throughout the area.
"Haydon Drive and College Street are two of Belconnen's busiest roads with a large volume of commuters visiting the University of Canberra, Radford College, the Canberra Institute of Technology, Calvary Hospital and nearby housing."
Rattenbury says on completion the upgrade will reduce commuter travel time and create safer, improved facilities for all users.
"The project has been developed in close consultation with Radford College and University of Canberra, who are both very supportive of the work."
The Belconnen upgrade is expected to be completed by early 2014.