Community Connect Issue 49 December 2022

IMPROVING OUR ROAD NETWORK

Council provides and maintains an extensive road network. We are committed to planning ahead to complete road and traffic upgrades to create an integrated traffic network to meet growing demands.

To prepare for this growth and to secure future funding Council is guided by our Roads Contribution Plan. This plan uses population predictions and traffic modelling to determine our community's future road network needs.

To view the plan visit ballina.nsw.gov.au/developercontributions

KERR STREET DUPLICATION

In November, Council started works to duplicate Ballina’s Kerr Street (between River Street and Bentinck Street).

The project’s design plans were finalised following the community’s feedback and feature a range of benefits for local traffic flow, pedestrian accessibility and meeting future traffic volumes.

Once duplicated, this section of road will also complete the ‘missing link’ on Kerr Street and provide dual lanes from Tamarind Drive to River Street.

Construction is expected to continue until the end of January 2023, weather permitting.

New Traffic Lights for Kerr Street

Following the Kerr Street duplication project, Council will upgrade the Kerr Street and Bentinck Street intersection, which includes the installation of new traffic lights.

Traffic lights are considered the best option to improve road safety while minimising the disruption to Kerr Street’s traffic flow.

This intersection upgrade has been funded through the NSW Government’s Safer Roads program.

For more information visit www.ballina.nsw. gov.au/KerrStreetUpgrade

RIVER STREET DUPLICATION

Stage 2 of the River Street Duplication project from Henry Philp Avenue to Tweed Street, Ballina will commence in early 2023.

This stage of the project will see:

- Westbound and eastbound lane duplication

- Installation of traffic lights at River Street and Brunswick Street intersection

- Installation of protected right-hand turns into Brunswick Street

- Upgrade of stormwater services

- Modification of footpaths and shared paths

Signalised Pedestrian Crossing

Council also plans to install a signalised pedestrian crossing between the Westower Tavern and Hibiscus Caravan Park in 2023. Design plans have been submitted to Transport for NSW for approval.

Fishery Creek Bridge

Stage 3 will include duplication of the Fishery Creek Bridge and its approaches. This work is expected to commence in late 2023/early 2024. Once all stages are complete, this project will provide a four-lane road between West Ballina and Ballina Island, doubling the road’s capacity to comfortably cater for traffic into the future.

Register for project updates at www.ballina. nsw.gov.au/RiverStreetDuplication

PLANS TO DUPLICATE TAMARIND DRIVE

Council is continuing plans to duplicate a section of Tamarind Drive and North Creek Road.

Tamarind Drive carries a large volume of traffic and is at capacity during peak hours. Council’s traffic modelling predicts this dual lane configuration will cater for current and future traffic volumes beyond 2036.

The project will include dual lanes on Tamarind Drive, between Kerr Street and 400 metres west of the Tamarind Drive/North Creek Road roundabout. The plans also include dual lanes for North Creek Road, between Tamarind Drive and Southern Cross Drive.

Council anticipates the project will cost approximately $30 million (including $8 million for construction of the second bridge). At this stage the project is not fully funded, however Council is actively exploring relevant grant and funding opportunities.

We would like to thank the community for their feedback during the recent community consultation process. Council’s Project Management Office will now continue the planning assessment process, including a Review of Environmental Factors.

For more information visit www.yoursayballina.com.au/tamarind-drive

TRANSPORT FOR NSW PROJECTS

Cumbalum interchange

Council continues to receive requests from residents regarding the construction of a southbound Pacific Highway entry at Cumbalum. Council continues to lobby the NSW State Government, local members and Transport for NSW (TfNSW) for this on-ramp. Council understands there is a growing desire and demand for this interchange and we will continue to pursue the construction of this interchange ramp.

PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE

RIVER STREET DUPLICATION

Completed Stage 1 lane duplication Burns Point Ferry Rd to Barlows Rd. Stage 2 traffic lights at River/Brunswick St intersection to commence Feb 2023. Stage 3 Fishery Creek Bridge duplication and approaches to commence late 2023/early 2024.

Timeframe: 2021 - 2024

Cost estimate: Stage 2 - $2.4million Stage 3 - $15.2million

KERR STREET DUPLICATION

Dual lanes from Tamarind Dr to River St and installation of new traffic lights at Kerr/ Bentinck St intersection.

Timeframe: 2022 - 2023

Cost estimate: $2.2million

BANGALOW ROAD DUPLICATION

Extend merging lanes of roundabout at Ballina Central and connect Sheather St to Angels Beach Dr.

Timeframe: completed 2022

Cost: $2.5million

TAMARIND DRIVE DUPLICATION

North Creek Rd to Kerr St including duplication of Canal Bridge.

Timeframe: 2024 - 2028 Cost estimate: $30million

ROSS LANE Safety improvements

Timeframe: 2022 - 2023

Cost estimate: $3.5million

Ross Lane flood mitigation investigations and design ongoing.

BARLOWS ROAD CONNECTION

Connecting Tamarind Dr, Cumbalum to West Ballina.

Timeframe: 2023 - 2024

Cost estimate: $7.6million

NORTH CREEK BRIDGE

Connecting North Creek Rd Ballina to Skennars Head.

Timeframe: 2029 subject to approvals