Stage One of the River Street Duplication has commenced and once complete will provide four lanes along River Street from Burns Point Ferry Road to Barlows Road, West Ballina.
"This is the first of four stages. When the entire project is finished we will have four lanes from the Pacific Highway, West Ballina all the way to Kerr Street, Ballina Island," said Mr Paul Busmanis Manager of Engineering Works.
"We all know that River Street is at capacity during peak times. This upgrade is a significant investment in our road network and will double the road's capacity and comfortably cater for traffic into the future."
This first stage will be constructed in 10 phases. Phase one (adjacent to Riverbend Village) and phase two (westbound lanes opposite Emmanuel Anglican College) start in early March.
Phase one involves service relocations, drainage works and road construction, while phase two involves footpath construction and road reconstruction.
Phases three to 10 (between Quays Drive and Barlows Road) will commence after the busy Easter period. As Council works through these phases the existing single travel lane will be maintained where possible, however motorists are urged to allow extra travel time to avoid being inconvenienced by traffic delays.
Traffic changes during construction will include:
- Speed limits will be reduced to 40km/ph in construction zones.
- Traffic control or detours at certain times. Disruption to travel lanes will be planned outside peak traffic periods where possible.
- Street parking will be reduced and, at times, unavailable. This will be necessary to maintain the travel lane during construction works.
- Bus shelters will be temporarily relocated to the nearest available 'clear zone'.
- The right hand turn into Ronan Place will be permanently removed (commencing phase six).
"Ballina Shire Council will be doing everything possible to minimise the impact of these works on motorists, residents and businesses," said Mr Busmanis.
"Motorists shouldn't expect traffic delays until works commence on phase three after Easter."
To avoid congestion and travel delays:
- Allow extra travel time.
- Avoid non-essential travel during peak morning and afternoon periods.
Council also encourages our community to get behind River Street businesses by continuing to shop locally during this upgrade. Signage will guide customers in accessing businesses during each phase of works.
Stage One of the River Street Duplication project is estimated to cost $3.7million and is expected to be completed in late 2021 (weather and site conditions permitting). For more information and to register for project updates visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/RiverStreetDuplication
