In September 2009 the National Capital Authority began constructing an overpass at the Russell Roundabout, extending Kings Avenue over Parkes Way.

Parkes Way will be lowered and a new bridge will carry Kings Avenue traffic at its existing level over Parkes Way through to the Russell Defence precinct. The new intersection, where Kings Avenue passes over Parkes Way will allow traffic movements in all directions and provide improved pedestrian safety from the Russell precinct.

The project will address a major black spot area in Canberra. The Russell roundabout has the highest number of accidents of any intersection in the ACT, with nearly two accidents on average each week.

Once complete, the overpass will substantially improve one of the worst traffic bottlenecks in Canberra and reduce travel time.

The design of the new intersection will reinforce the vista between Parliament House and Russell, and better define the eastern side of the Parliamentary Triangle. Kings Avenue bridge will act as a landmark and 'gateway' to central Canberra.

The overpass has been designed in close consultation with the ACT Government and is expected to meet the needs of visitors and residents well into the future.

To view the plan layout of the new intersection:

• Download the Kings Avenue Plan Layout [GIF - 189Kb]

Russell Roundabout Closure - Saturday 11 September 2010

Road users are advised to avoid the intersection of Kings Avenue, and Parkes Way on Saturday 11 September 2010. Temporary traffic changes will apply from 6.30am to 8.00pm, to allow for an all-day concrete pour at the Kings Avenue overpass construction site. In the event of bad weather, the concrete pour will be postponed.

Traffic Diversions (refer to diagram)

Traffic will be diverted away from Parkes Way, and Morshead Drive, at the Kings Avenue overpass construction site. Traffic marshals and signage will be in place to direct road users.

Between the Anzac Parade / Parkes Way and Morshead Drive / Russell Drive roundabouts, access to Parkes Way and Morshead Drive will be restricted to construction vehicles only.

The main temporary traffic diversions and arrangements will include:

• Traffic from the city-side to the airport will be diverted from the Anzac Parade / Parkes Way roundabout via Anzac Parade, Constitution Avenue and Russell Drive, before being reconnected to Morshead Drive.
• Traffic from the airport-side to the city will be diverted from the Morshead Drive / Russell Drive roundabout via Russell Drive, Constitution Avenue and Anzac Parade before being reconnected to Parkes Way.
• Parkes Way north-side, to the airport, will be fully closed, including the north end of Kings Avenue on the Russell side.
• At the intersection end of Kings Avenue, there will be only one left lane in, from Morshead Drive, and one left lane out to Parkes Way.

Take detours and allow more time

Traffic delays are expected, and road users are encouraged to:

• take alternative routes;
• car pool; and
• allow additional time for private and public transport journeys, including getting to and from the airport.

Restricted Access to Construction Site

For safety reasons, only authorised personnel will have access to the construction site, and adjacent areas during the pour.

Temporary Traffic Management (refer to diagram)

Traffic Management Plans are routinely reviewed with Roads ACT to manage changing traffic conditions throughout the construction phases.

Please note that Traffic Management Plans will be updated throughout the construction, so please continue to check the NCA Website for updates.

The existing circular roundabout traffic movement has been extended to the city-side and the airport-side “U” turn extension, with temporary traffic lights. Temporary by-pass lanes have also been built around the bridge construction area to allow construction of new “on” and “off” ramps.

The change to an extended roundabout layout will:

• allow major earthmoving and bridge construction to occur within the existing roundabout;
• facilitate construction of the new “on” and “off” ramps;
• support public and construction personnel safety; and
• enable management of construction plant movement and materials handling.

As part of standard road construction measures, traffic speeds will be reduced to 40km/hr, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The reduced traffic speed limit is required for public and construction personnel safety. Radar speed indicators will be in use to assist motorists.

Normal traffic rules apply and speed limits are enforceable.

Road users will be required to observe the associated traffic signage and variable message board directions. Safety is of the highest importance.

During the construction phases, motorists are encouraged to:

• take alternate routes (refer to diagram)
• car pool
• take public transport – visit www.action.act.gov.au for timetable information; and
• allow additional time for journeys and getting to the Airport.

Allow additional time for journeys and getting to the Airport.

High-Resolution Diagrams

• Russell Overpass Extended Roundabout - Traffic Changes - JPG 3.02Mb
• Russell Overpass Alternative Routes - JPG 2.15Mb

Timeframe - Extended Roundabout Arrangement

It is anticipated that an extended roundabout will be in place until early 2011.

Construction Times

• 7am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
• 7am to 2pm, Saturday

To reduce disruption to motorists, additional work such as bulk earthworks and road cut-overs may be conducted after-hours.

Pedestrians Routes and Cyclist

Pedestrians should not cross the roads at the construction site.

Pedestrians should use existing pedestrian crossing routes and underpasses in the precinct. Cyclists are encouraged to use alternative routes.

Once constructed, pedestrian crossings will be available over Parkes Way via the new Kings Avenue bridge. This will provide pedestrian access between Russell and Kings Park, via the parklands, on to Lake Burley Griffin.

Heritage

The Russell Roundabout site is adjacent the heritage listed Parliament House Vista. A 'Kings Avenue/Parkes Way Roundabout, Canberra - Assessment of Heritage Impact' has been undertaken.

To read the report: Download PDF of Assessment of Heritage Impact [PDF - 3.4 Mb]

Facts

• A single point urban interchange (single bridge) was selected for this project as it offers the most efficient traffic management option.
• Traffic impact and road capacity analysis demonstrates that this infrastructure will help alleviate the traffic congestion that would occur in the area with the completion of the new Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) building and other known developments along Constitution Avenue.
• As the cost of the Kings Avenue/Parkes Way intersection exceeds $15 million, the project was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works.
• The NCA appeared before the PWC on 6 August 2008. The ACT Government was also represented at the PWC hearing and supported the proposal.
• At the PWC hearing the Griffin Society rejected the need for the works. The NCA lodged further information to the PWC regarding the Griffin Society’s comments. The PWC’s report to Parliament recommending that the project proceed without modification was passed by the House of Representatives on 4 September 2008.
• The Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts (DEWHA) approved the NCA’s referral in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
• The lead design consultant for the new intersection is Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW). JPW are the designers of the award winning National Portrait Gallery.
• A national tender process was conducted for a suitable Construction Head Contractor. The successful tender was the long established local firm, Woden Contractors Pty Ltd. The contract was signed on 24 August 2008. Construction completion is anticipated by mid 2011.
• NCA has been appropriated $26.6 million for design and construction of the new intersection..

Gallery - Aerial Progress Photographs

22.12.09

27.04.10

28.05.10

25.06.10

26.07.10

31.08.10

For further information

A scale model and exhibit of the overpass is on display at the National Capital Exhibition, Barrine Drive, Commonwealth Park. Open 9am-5pm daily. (02) 6271 2900.