Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese announced today that the project, set to be completed in 2016, would receive $144 million in Federal funding matching the ACT Government’s contribution dollar-for-dollar.

Chief Minister Katy Gallagher said the parkway would play a key role in distributing freight in a safer way by diverting heavy vehicles around the city.

“Some 2800 commercial vehicles and 18,000 passenger vehicles currently use Majura Parkway and this figure is expected to double in the next 15 years,” she said. “There is no doubt Canberra is a growing city and the agreement between the ACT and Federal Labor Government’s shows a strong and constructive working relationship that can deliver for all Canberrans to improve daily life.

“This project of national significance will benefit Canberra as a freight hub and Australia’s national capital, but will also improve commute times in and out of Canberra on a daily basis for thousands of people who live and work in the ACT.”

Both Gallagher and Albanese quashed speculation there would be a toll on the road, as recommended by Infrastructure Australia in a recent report.

The Majura Parkway will be an 11.5 kilometre long duplicated road with seven bridges and three interchanges at the intersections with Fairbairn Avenue, Federal Highway and Monaro Highway.