The Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project is moving into its construction phase, with Hazell Bros (QLD) Pty Ltd appointed to deliver the major road and bridge upgrade at Deadmans Creek, Lennox Head.
The project will improve safety, traffic flow and flood resilience along one of the region's key transport routes by raising sections of Ross Lane and constructing a new bridge over Deadmans Creek. The existing culvert crossing will be replaced with a wider concrete bridge designed to provide more reliable access during frequent flood events while supporting the long-term needs of the community.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the project represents a significant investment in improving the reliability of a road that is regularly affected by flooding.
"Ross Lane is an important connection for residents, businesses, commuters, freight operators and emergency services. This project will reduce the frequency of flood-related road closures and improve access during more frequent flood events," Mayor Cadwallader said.
"Following several years of planning, community consultation, flood modelling and detailed design, Council has developed a solution that improves flood resilience while carefully considering impacts on surrounding properties and the wider floodplain," she said.
Ross Lane currently carries around 8,400 vehicles each day and experiences multiple closures during significant rainfall events. The upgrade will raise the road and deliver a new bridge crossing designed to improve access during more frequent flood events. Once completed, this upgrade will improve community access by enabling the road to remain open during flood events up to the one-in-five year level.
The project is funded through the NSW Government's Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, with Council securing $3.9 million towards the works. Ballina Shire Council will invest the remaining $450,000 into this important road network upgrade.
Construction will commence on 1 October 2026, with temporary single-lane traffic arrangements from 12 October.
From 19 October to 18 December 2026, Ross Lane will be fully closed to traffic to allow critical bridge construction works to be completed safely and efficiently. Ross Lane will reopen in time for Christmas, subject to weather conditions.
While the full closure will cause disruption, it will allow the works to be completed more quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing the overall construction time and cost compared with keeping the road partially open.
Council acknowledges the temporary impacts of the closure and will keep residents, businesses, transport providers and other stakeholders informed throughout the works.
The community is encouraged to sign up for construction updates at: www.ballina.nsw.gov.au/Ross-Lane
