Federal funding for the ACT's Commonwealth Avenue Bridge

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, Canberra. Photo by Marty Southwell on Unsplash

Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, originally built in 1936, will receive a $137 million upgrade funded by the Federal Government.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the investment will ensure the bridge can continue to safely function for the next 50 years or more.

“This investment will also back Canberra’s construction workforce and economy at a critical time, with the bridge upgrade expected to create more than 700 jobs,” McCormack said.

“We are particularly pleased the majority of construction materials to be used for the project, such as the steel and concrete, are manufactured in Australia.”

Work on the bridge will strengthen it to prevent structural damage, widen the pedestrian pathways and replace vehicle safety barriers.

Construction will be undertaken by National Capital Authority.

Senator for the ACT Zed Seselja said it is infrastructure projects such as these that make a real difference for the day to day lives of Canberrans and of course for local jobs and the economy at this vital time.

“This $137 million investment in Commonwealth Avenue Bridge is part of over $1.3 billion in new investments announced in the ACT by the Federal Government in recent years, boosting the Canberra economy.”