Long-suffering Gungahlin drivers are being warned to expect delays as the ACT government begins a suite of new roadworks, due for completion within 18 months.
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On Tuesday Labor backbencher and Molonglo member Meegan Fitzharris will announce five separate areas of work will begin next month, including the widening a 1.6 kilometre section of Gungahlin Drive.
The work will see the creation of three southbound lanes from north of Sandford Street through to the Barton Highway.
Nearby, the Barton Highway-Gundaroo Drive-William Slim Drive roundabout will have additional lanes and traffic lights added on all four of its approaches, while Gundaroo Drive will be upgraded to a dual carriageway between Gungahlin Drive and Mirrabei Drive-Anthony Rolfe Avenue.
East of the Gungahlin Town Centre, the Valley Avenue and Manning Clark Crescent will be extended and from late this year, work to duplicate Horse Park Drive to a dual carriageway between Anthony Rolfe Avenue and Well Station Drive will begin.
Intersections at Anthony Rolfe Avenue, Mapleton Avenue and Well Station Drive will also be upgraded.
The roadworks include commitments from the government's June budget, including $31.2 million to be spent on Gundaroo Drive duplication, $17.1 million for Horse Park Drive and $14.1 million to enhance the Gungahlin Town Centre's traffic network.
"I'm so pleased these roadworks are about to commence," Ms Fitzharris said. "So many people have told me they would like to see our roads improved, so it's great to see this work will begin very soon."
A recent government community consultation found about 73 per cent of participants wanted the roadwork projects to be delivered at the same time.
The priority roadworks are expected to be completed in late 2016 or early 2017, with delays likely. She thanked drivers and other road users for their patience during the expected delays.
"People told us they would like these roadworks to all start as soon as possible.
"The roadworks may add to traffic congestion during the construction phase, however people travelling to, from and through Gungahlin will reap the benefits of greater capacity roads and improved traffic flow sooner.
"I would like to thank motorists in advance for their patience during these works," Ms Fitzharris said.
Separate work to construct the government's proposed light rail will begin in 2016. The 12-kilometre line will run from a new terminus in the heart of the Gungahlin town centre, just east of Gungahlin Place on Hibberson Street.
Modelling from the government's Capital Metro Agency has shown that by 2031, without a dedicated transit option built, residents in Canberra's northern suburbs will experience travel times in their cars during weekday morning peak of up to an hour to get to the city.
The opposition has pledged to spend $146 million on transport and infrastructure works, including the duplication of Gundaroo Drive and a new flyover on the Barton Highway near Gungahlin.
