Construction tenders called for Parkes Way widening work

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today announced that the tender for widening Parkes Way will be opened this Saturday 25 February 2012.

The Parkes Way widening project, which is due to commence in May 2012, will see the construction of a third lane in each direction from Glenloch Interchange to Edinburgh Avenue.

"This is a great project set to benefit all Canberrans; both those from the south who currently use the Tuggeranong Parkway and those from the north and west who use William Hovell Drive and the GDE to get onto Parkes Way," the Chief Minister said.

"Parkes Way carries over 35,000 vehicles a day travelling from the south of Canberra and Belconnen through to the City and beyond toward the airport.

"With increased residential development in areas such as Molonglo Valley and Gungahlin, the volume of traffic is forecast to increase to 40,000 vehicles a day by 2016.

Work will also be undertaken to improve the Parkes Way on-ramp to Commonwealth Avenue by increasing the length of the merging lane with London Circuit southbound traffic. New street lighting will also be installed along the route.

A number of road projects are currently underway or due to commence this year to further increase the capacity of the ACT road network and improve road safety.

"The ACT Government is committed to improving transport infrastructure and reduced traffic congestion on our roads. Other road projects currently underway include Belconnen to City Transit Way, Majura Parkway, Kings Highway and the Monaro Highway duplication," the Chief Minister concluded.

Qualified and experienced companies will have until Thursday 22 March 2012 to submit their best bid under the tender process being conducted by the ACT Government.

Information on the tender process for the widening of Parkes Way can be found at http://www.procurement.act.gov.au/ from this Saturday 25 February.