Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today announced the commencement of two significant projects to improve public transport and access to Canberra’s Parliamentary Triangle.
“Work has now commenced on the construction of a dedicated bus lane on an 800-metre section of Canberra Avenue between Hindmarsh Drive and the Monaro Highway. This major project will reduce bus travel times, especially for people travelling to Barton, and especially during peak periods,” said Mr Rattenbury.
“The Canberra Avenue Bus Lane will assist cross-border transport and hopefully encourage more Queanbeyan-Canberra commuters to make use of buses, helping to reduce congestion and parking pressures.
“Walkers and cyclists using Canberra Avenue will benefit from a new shared path on Canberra Avenue, enhanced lighting, additional footpaths, as well as a new signalised pedestrian crossing on Geelong Street.
Mr Rattenbury said that work has also commenced on the construction of a number of new bus stop facilities in Barton and Parkes.
“A new Barton bus station is being constructed on National Circuit to support bus services through the busy Parliamentary Zone. Two new bus stops are being constructed on Kings Avenue to support the increased services at this new Barton bus station,” Mr Rattenbury said.
“This project will also upgrade four existing bus stops on Kings Avenue and Commonwealth Avenue to include more comfortable seating and space for future electronic ‘real-time bus information’ displays.
“During peak time in Barton, buses arrive every few minutes, making these stops busy commuter points for people working and visiting the area. The upgrade will also expand the stops to allow multiple buses to stop at the one time.
“These are significant projects that will provide Canberrans with better sustainable transport options, reduce traffic congestion on our roads, and help grow Canberra into a leading public transport city.
“The priority bus lane and the new Barton station and stops should all be completed prior to the introduction of paid parking to the Parliamentary Triangle in July next year. I hope these changes encourage more Canberra commuters to make use of ACTION’s improving bus network”, Mr Rattenbury concluded.
The Parkes and Barton bus stop upgrades are expected to be complete by October 2013; The Canberra Avenue works are expected to be complete by mid 2014.
This page was last updated on 6 August 2022
