5 March 2012
The National Capital Authority (NCA) is calling for public comment on the permanent closure of the western end of Russell Drive.
The section of road to be closed is between Constitution Avenue and the western most car park entry on Russell Drive. This road has been temporarily closed since 5 December 2011.
NCA chief planner, Andrew Smith said the road closure is consistent with the National Capital Plan.
"The master plan prepared for the Russell Precinct, and incorporated in the National Capital Plan, describes a revised road network for this area," Mr Smith said.
"We have implemented the first stage of this master plan, with the construction of the recently opened Kings Avenue overpass. The next phase is to remove this section of road," he said.
Detailed modelling was undertaken to assess how a change to the road network would impact traffic movements.
"The revised road network identified in the master plan was taken into account when designing the Kings Avenue overpass," Mr Smith said.
"Traffic modelling indicates the overpass has capacity to meet the increased traffic load now and into the future," he said.
The NCA welcomes public comment on the proposed road closure. Community feedback can be forwarded to:
The Hon. Simon Crean, Minister for Regional Australia, Regional Development and Local Government
c/o Mr Andrew Smith, Chief Planner, National Capital Authority, GPO Box 373, CANBERRA ACT 2601
Comments can also be provided via email or on Twitter using @nca_media.
Comments close at 5pm on 6 April 2012.
The proposed closure is being made in accordance with the Public Roads Act 1902.
http://www.nationalcapital.gov.au/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2282:have-your-say-on-road-closure&catid=136:2012-media-releases&Itemid=859 [/l]