Project traffic information
During the construction of the Enlarged Cotter Dam, road users will experience more traffic on roads in the Cotter area. The number and type of vehicles accessing the Cotter Dam worksite will vary, 24 hours a day, and 7 days a week, with heavier vehicle traffic expected from August 2011 to March 2012.
Key roads affected during construction
The primary road used by construction vehicles is Cotter Road. Paddys River Road is a secondary route. From Cotter Road, Brindabella Road is used as a secondary access route to the construction site.
Sharing the road
We are committed to respecting all road users as we share the local road network. The Bulk Water Alliance Shared Roads Policy is a statement of this commitment, and its implementation includes a number of measures for Cotter Road.
Cotter Road traffic
From August 2011-March 2012 heavy vehicle traffic along Cotter Road will increase as B-double (semi-trailers) trucks transport cement and fly-ash (a cement substitute) required for the roller compacted concrete to construct the new dam.
Prior to commencing deliveries, B-Double truck drivers will be advised and inducted on our Shared Roads Policy. Each truck will also be equipped with a GPS device to record data such as speed, location, date and time as they travel along Cotter Road. This will provide a more accurate monitoring system, which removes the need to open the Delivery Vehicle Induction Centre on Cotter Road when deliveries commence. However, as a precautionary measure the Delivery Vehicle Induction Centre will remain in place should there be a need to further educate and monitor B-Double truck drivers.
Driver education, regular reminders and strict enforcement of our staff to uphold appropriate driving behaviour continues to be maintained during the construction of the Enlarged Cotter Dam.
There are also changed road conditions on Cotter Road as the ACT Government upgrades sections, with the bulk of these road works completed in June 2011.
Access to public areas
Cotter Precinct
Cotter Avenue is temporarily closed for public safety during the construction of the Enlarged Cotter Dam. There are many other recreation areas to visit in and around the Cotter.
Around the Cotter Reservoir
As part of ACTEW’s fish management program, we are constructing artificial rock reef habitats at carefully selected sites around the Cotter Reservoir to provide new shelter for the endangered Macquarie Perch when the new reservoir begins to fill.
From June 2011 to September 2011, there will be a slight increase in construction traffic on Brindabella Road, including semitrailers from Uriarra Rd, to transport material to the rock reef construction areas. The use of public roads will be limited and these selected areas around the Cotter Reservoir will be marked as construction access only.
Blasting works
Major blasting activities for the dam have been completed. The temporary closure of key roads, sometimes required to clear the area during blasting, is no longer expected. More InformationFurther information about the Enlarged Cotter Dam and other ACTEW water security projects, including traffic management information, is available by calling the Water Security Information Line on 6248 3563 or emailing watersecurity@actew.com.au
Up-to-date information on any road closure in Canberra is available by calling Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.
Road safety messages from Roads ACT: