WORK has begun on a new bus lane on Barry Drive that’s expected to reduce travel time between Belconnen and the Civic by several minutes.

The $9million project is a result of surveys taken during the peak period between 7.45am and 9.15am along Barry Drive. Surveys showed that 1800 people were travelling in 31 buses along the road – 25 per cent of people travelling during that period.

The bus lane will run along Barry Drive from Clunies Ross Street through to Kingsley Street in the city.

“This bus lane is part of the Belconnen to City corridor which is one of the busiest bus commuter routes in Canberra connecting people to Civic as well as the University of Canberra, CIT Bruce Campus, Calvary Hospital and the Australian National University,” Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said.

“It is also part of the Belconnen to City Transitway which will reduce commuting time, by several minutes, between Belconnen and the City, particularly during peak periods. A recent independent study showed there is a strong case for the Barry Drive bus lane.

“This has the added benefit of making bus travel more attractive which we hope will take some cars off this busy road.”

The Chief Minister said the work will also include a new bus station at City West servicing the new ANU Exchange development with improved bus connections and access, and an on and off-road cycling facilities along Barry Drive; and new pedestrian facilities

“The Barry Drive stage of the Belconnen to City works are expected to be finished late in 2012 and subject to future funding, other stages of work will include bus priority measures along College Street and Haydon Drive in Belconnen and the duplication of College Street,” she said.