Byron Shire Council has delivered more than $725,000 of road renewal and upgrade works at Arakwal Court in Byron Bay, bringing greater safety and peace of mind to local school communities.
"This area is heavily used by two large schools and as a thoroughfare by the local community. It was in poor condition, unsafe and in desperate need of an overhaul," Council's Director Infrastructure Services, Phil Holloway said.
"We are pleased that these road renewal works have been completed and that this Council project has been delivered on time and budget to coincide with the start of the 2020 school year.
"With term 1 well underway, the improvements are working beautifully with new roads and pavements, kerbing, crossings, shared paths, cyclist fencing and formalised parking all greatly increasing safety for the entire community.
"The brand new drop-off and pick up areas are also enabling better traffic flow and this is a huge benefit for parents, students and teachers at St Finbarr's Primary School and Byron Bay High School – and the school principals have said they are very happy with the result," he said.
"New drainage was put to the test during the recent severe weather and there were no flooding issues.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in delivering the works and to the schools who worked alongside Council.
"Special thanks must go to the Hon. Ben Franklin, MLC, for helping to secure the funding for this project which was co-funded: $350,000 by Council, $350,000 by Department of Education and $25,000 contribution from St Finbarr's Primary School."
"We now hope to be able to attract funding to address the intersection of Bangalow Rd and Arakwal Court and we will be investigating design options and upgrade treatments," Mr Holloway said.
