The construction of the Molonglo River Bridge has reached a new milestone.

What’s the latest development?

The pier one headstock concreting work on the southern side of the river is complete. This is the part that sits atop the piers. It supports the steel girders and the road on top of the bridge.

This work involved pouring a large beam structure. It sits roughly 20 metres above the riverbed.

Workers used 275 cubic metres of concrete, and 35 trucks transported the concrete from the mixing plant.

Why is the bridge being built?

The Molonglo River Bridge will transform the Molonglo region. It will better connect the northern suburbs, including Whitlam, to the rest of the Molonglo Valley. It will also allow residents of Whitlam and the future northern Molonglo Valley suburbs to the future Molonglo Group Centre.

What does this project involve?

The bridge will be approximately 200 metres long. It is being built across the Molonglo Nature Reserve and the region’s largest river.

1.7 kilometres of new arterial roads leading to the bridge will be built, plus two new intersections.

The project also includes important active travel links with off-road shared paths. A pedestrian underpass will be built to encourage more Molonglo Valley residents to walk to their destination.

Planning of the project has included the consideration of public transport. The road network will be capable of supporting light rail in the future. There will also be two intersection queue-jump bus lanes. These will pave the way for expanded rapid services in this growing region.

What about the surrounding wildlife?

The project also provides for the habitat of native fauna, including:

• platypus

• pink-tailed worm lizards

• water birds

• bats.

Sediment control bonds have been constructed on site to support the works. These are necessary for environmental protection on site during construction, however these will become permanent stormwater management ponds the bridge has been built.

When is the bridge expected to be finished?

The bridge and connecting roads are expected to be open to traffic by the end of 2025.

For more details on this project, visit www.builtforcbr.act.gov.au.