Residents of Middle Pocket Road will be getting an early Christmas present with works starting on a major upgrade this week (from 1 November 2021).
The work will start at the intersection of the Pocket Road, with 5.2km earmarked for a new seal along with stabilisation work on the shoulder.
The $700,000 project has been made possible thanks to the NSW Government's Roads and Infrastructure Election Commitment fund, and a contribution from Council.
Phil Holloway, Council's Director Infrastructure Services, said the state of the existing road is extremely poor.
"There is absolutely no doubt that this news will put a big smile on the faces of people who have put up with a very bumpy road for years now," Mr Holloway said.
"The road is also narrow and winding, and when we are finished not only will it be smooth, water will drain off it easily and it will be wide enough for cars to pass without someone having to pull off the road," he said.
Local Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said that seeing work begin on this project was brilliant for the community.
"At the last election, I made a promise of $25 million to Byron Shire Council to help fix local roads which I delivered on in 2020 and I'm thrilled to see work begin on another project," Mr Franklin said.
"This is a landmark road infrastructure investment in the region and Byron Shire Council has done an incredible job in repairing roads in the region so far.
"The community has long been asking for an upgrade to Middle Pocket Road, the Council has listened and by Christmas time residents will have a better and safer road to travel on."
Work to improve drainage has already started.
The project will take approximately four weeks to finish.
