The ACT Government is investing in better technology and more Park and Ride facilities to assist traffic flows and manage disruption across Canberra’s traffic network as we get on with major, job creating infrastructure projects for Canberra.
“Our infrastructure plan is creating thousands of local jobs and supporting this city’s economic recovery,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr “Work is already underway on a new Woden public transport interchange and construction on raising London Circuit is expected to commence around the middle of the year.”
“We know this boost in construction activity will be disruptive for our traffic network, and it will impact how Canberrans access the City centre,” Minister for Transport Chris Steel commented “That’s why we’re investing in new technology that will help the Government and commuters to manage the impact of disruption on our roads through active and real-time management of our traffic network.”
The Minister explained that the Government will install intelligent transport monitoring technology in strategic locations across central Canberra where disruption and congestion are likely. This will include new intersection cameras and Bluetooth sensors capable of feeding traffic insights back to the central Traffic Operations Centre at Fyshwick. Minister Steel went on to point out that data from these devices will be used to provide up-to-date information about journey times and potential disruption through wireless variable message signage on our roads, via radio and social media. Active monitoring of the network will also mean a faster response to accidents or issues before they cause major congestion.
“Providing reliable information in real time will mean commuters can make informed choices before or during their trip. This might mean choosing a different route, traveling at a different time or jumping on public transport,” Minister Steel commented “This is just one of the ways we will be supporting Canberrans to rethink their routes and rethink their routines as major infrastructure works are delivered in the city.”
Minister Steel explained that the Government is also investing in a new park and ride facility at Beasley St Mawson to help more people on the southside easily connect with public transport and avoid congestion. 70 existing car parks will be converted to park and ride spaces, and construction is now underway on a new footpath link to the Rapid routes on Athllon Drive, with lighting being installed to improve safety.
“The connecting path and lighting infrastructure will support better public transport access for all users of Mawson Playing Fields on weekdays, after hours and on the weekend,” Minister Steel Commented. The Minister said that these projects build on other recent ACT Government investments to manage disruption and keep the city moving during delivery of our major infrastructure projects. This includes signalising the Coranderrk Street roundabout to improve traffic flows from Parkes Way for people accessing the city from the southside and Belconnen and installing bus priority signals at Vernon Circle. Approvals for these upgrades are with the NCA.
