The Australian and ACT governments today announced the start of works on three dangerous black spots funded by the Australian Government’s Black Spot Programme.

Construction is underway on the following projects:

• Tuggeranong Parkway from Cotter Road to Hindmarsh Drive in Weston: $748,000 to install animal fencing, upgrade line marking and barriers and correction of minor deficiencies;
• Tuggeranong Parkway from Hindmarsh Drive to Sulwood Drive Fisher: $1,150,000 install animal fencing, road side lighting, advance warning signals sign at Sulwood Drive and improved signage, linemarking and barriers; and
• Tuggeranong Parkway from Lady Denman Drive to Cotter Road Ramp East Weston Creek: $270,000 to install animal fencing and reflectors and upgrade signage.

Zed Seselja says the package of works and improvements would restrict access for animals, like kangaroos to the Parkway, delivering a safer road network for motorists and animals.

“The Australian Government Black Spot programme targets low cost safety works in places where there have been serious crashes or where serious crashes are more likely to occur,” Zed said.

“Our significant investments in better infrastructure in the ACT will improve road safety, reduce fatalities on the road and boost the local economy.”

Mick Gentleman says the works were expected to be finished by the end of October.

“These improvements are welcomed by the ACT community with 45 thousand cars using the parkway every day,” Mick said.

“There is likely to be some minor disruptions along the Parkway with construction vehicles entering the area, so we would ask motorists to be patient and allow some extra time for travel if necessary.

“Signage and variable message boards will be used to help manage the site.”

Minister Gentleman said a range of work had already been completed as part of the current Black Spot Programme, including:

• the installation of reflectors and signage on Tuggeranong Parkway between Cotter Road and Glenloch Interchange
• the installation of traffic lights at the intersection of Captain Cook Crescent and Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah
• the installation of stop signs at the John Cleland Crescent and Coulter Drive intersection, Florey
• the separation of the left turn deceleration lane and minor median modifications at the Tharwa Drive and Duggan Street intersection, Calwell.

The Australian Government is providing $2.7 million to fully fund four ACT Black Spot projects in 2015–16.