The Federal and ACT Governments will together provide almost $1 million to strengthen the Barry Drive Bridge in Turner, improving access for heavy vehicles to the territory’s key routes.
“This project has been approved under the $220 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program, established by the Labor Government in 2008 to directly improve conditions and safety for heavy vehicle drivers,” Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese said.
“It’s estimated that the amount of freight that will be carried on roads in our nation’s capital will double over the next decade. Improving productivity through projects like this will help reduce the effect of the growing freight task on road safety, the environment and the amenity of our communities.
“As well as our unprecedented investment in upgrading the Territory’s highways, the local trucking industry will also benefit from the creation of the Road Safety Remuneration Tribunal which has the powers to stamp out unsafe work practices and make sure drivers get a fair go.”
ACT Chief Minister, Katy Gallagher said the projects were selected following consultation with the trucking industry.
“Today’s announcement is a good example of the Federal and Territory governments working together to make the local trucking industry even safer and more productive,” the Chief Minister said.