MEEGAN Fitzharris says a major upgrade to Aikman Drive in Belconnen will be funded in this year’s ACT Budget to improve access for local residents, workers in the Belconnen Town Centre and those who visit the new University of Canberra Public Hospital when it is up and running in 2018.

“The investment of $9.8 million over two years will see the duplication of Aikman Drive between Ginninderra Drive and Emu Bank to improve access and traffic flow as the population grows in both Belconnen and Gungahlin,” Meegan said.

“Aikman Drive is a major arterial road in Belconnen and it is an important entry point to the Belconnen Town Centre. This investment shows that the ACT Government is improving transport no matter where you live.

“With the University of Canberra Public Hospital now well underway, upgrading Aikman Drive will ensure patients and visitors have better access to what will be a vital health service for our community.

“The upgrade works will duplicate Aikman Drive between Ginninderra Drive and Emu Bank, and will include a new internal road connection from the hospital roundabout to Pantowora Street which will support bus services to the new residential suburb of Lawson.

“Improvements at the Joy Cummings Place and Aikman Drive intersections will also be made to provide improved access to the Kangara Waters Retirement Village.

“The project will cater to all modes of transport, with a new shared path also proposed along Ginninderra Drive from the University of Canberra entrance to Aikman Drive. A shared path will also be constructed along the length of Aikman Drive from Ginninderra Drive to Emu Bank along the University of Canberra campus boundary. These new paths will greatly improve access for pedestrians and cyclists using the area.

“This is another investment in our plan to build an integrated transport network with better roads, an integrated public transport system and active travel connections.”

With the development of Lawson, continued growth in Gungahlin and a new public hospital being built on the University of Canberra campus, this upgrade is well-timed and will improve connections in and out of Belconnen. Works are expected to commence in late 2016.