LABOR REVEALS MOLONGLO RIVER BRIDGE DELAYED AGAIN
Ed Cocks MLA
Shadow Treasurer
Shadow Minister for Government Services and Customer Experience
Member for Murrumbidgee
Media Release
6 March 2025
During a motion introduced by Ed Cocks MLA to address traffic and congestion in the Molonglo Valley, the ACT Labor Government revealed that the Molonglo River Bridge will now be delayed until late 2026, despite Labor’s most recent timeline planned for the bridge to be completed by December this year.
In his successful motion to the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Cocks called for an urgent update on the progress of the Molonglo River Bridge, a critical infrastructure project intended to alleviate traffic and reduce congestion in the Molonglo Valley and surrounding areas, which are plagued by daily gridlock.
"The Government knows how vital the Molonglo River Bridge is for local residents. It was meant to reduce the risk of flooding and prevent the dangerous conditions at Coppins Crossing. Not only would it ease congestion, but it would also improve road safety,” Mr. Cocks stated.
“What I cannot comprehend is why, with so much planning behind this critical infrastructure, the Government still didn't get it right.”
Mr. Cocks emphasised that the bridge is not only important for safety and flood prevention, but the ongoing delays are also placing increased pressure on one of only two arterial roads in the Molonglo Valley, Cotter Road, which continues to bear the brunt of the congestion while construction is ongoing.
“The Government’s failure to act decisively has created a situation where Cotter Road is being overburdened, and residents continue to suffer,” Mr. Cocks concluded.
The delay highlights the need for urgent action on infrastructure to support the growing population of the Molonglo Valley and surrounding regions.
“The only thing that moves slower than Cotter Road is the Government's delivery of infrastructure in Molonglo.”
“This is just one more thing Labor didn’t tell anyone before the election.”
“The delay of the Molonglo River Bridge means that families will continue to spend more time in their cars and less time with their families.”
