WORKS will commence this week to construct the road pavement connecting Constitution Avenue to Vernon Circle, bringing the $44.8 million major project one step closer to completion.

Minister for Major Projects, Territories and Local Government Paul Fletcher said the Australian Government is contributing $42 million towards the upgrade of Constitution Avenue.

“A $7 million milestone payment will be provided to the ACT Government next month in preparation for completion of the northern carriageway expected in mid-2016,” Paul said.

Senator for Australian Capital Territory Zed Seselja said the extension will provide improved access into the city, improve parking facilities and complete the east-west link for the road.

“The upgrade of Constitution Avenue is really starting to take shape and the community can really get a sense of what the road will be like once it is complete,” Zed said.

“The project is expected to be completed in mid-2016. Significant below ground work has already been completed and works on the southern carriageway were finished last month.

“The completed project will feature a dedicated bus lane in each direction from Allara Street to Anzac Parade, a separated two-way cycle path in the southern verge, on-street parking and new LED Street and verge lighting for the length of Constitution Avenue.

“By linking Vernon Circle to Constitution Avenue, motorists travelling from the eastern side of the city will have direct access to both the north and south of Canberra, via Northbourne Avenue and the Commonwealth Avenue bridge.”

ACT Minister for Transport and Municipal Services Meegan Fitzharris said the ACT Government is funding the $2.8 million connection of Constitution Avenue to Vernon Circle.

“The intersection will also be signalised to control and balance traffic flows. These signals will be synchronised with the lights at the Northbourne Avenue and London Circuit intersection to manage the impact on the broader network. A signalised pedestrian crossing will also be installed.

“Measures of this kind are integral to urban renewal, to our plan to improve public transport and better integrate our road network, and I would like to thank the community for their patience while these works continue to be completed.

“Linking Vernon Circle to Constitution Avenue and installing in traffic lights will be a change, but it will make it easier for road users to get directly onto Constitution Avenue from Northbourne Avenue, and help with traffic flow as our city grows.

“In addition to the Vernon Circle connection, the reconstruction of the northern carriageway and verge of Constitution Avenue is the current focus of the works, and includes paving and landscaping of the verge.”

Temporary lane closures are required to allow works to be undertaken on the Constitution Avenue and Vernon Circle intersection signalisation and path connection.

Intermittent closures of the right hand lane of Vernon Circle at Constitution Avenue will be required between 10 am and 4 pm from Wednesday 30 March 2016 for approximately four weeks.

For more information on road closures visit tams.act.gov.au or call 13 22 81.