Roadworks are expected to cause significant delays getting in and out of Mullumbimby for another six months starting next month, Byron Shire Council staff have warned.
A staff letter to Mullumbimby residents last week said six months’ worth of upgrades and repairs on Mullumbimby Road, costed at $5.3 million, had been rescheduled to start in July and happen in two main stages, mostly during the day.
The most significant traffic delays appeared to be planned for the second stage in the spring/summer period between September and December, encompassing at least some of two school holiday periods.
Three-month stop to Mullum outbound traffic via Mullum Rd
Mullumbimby Road east of The Saddle Road intersection was to be closed to outbound traffic during stage two, while the speed of traffic entering Mullum was to be limited to 40km/h.
Outbound drivers were to be encouraged to use Coolamon Scenic Drive if heading north, or Myocum Road if heading south, with all heavy vehicles leaving Mullum to be required to use Myocum Road.
Heavy vehicles were to be banned from The Saddle Road and McAuleys Lane throughout the entire project period, with Mullumbimby’s industrial estate to be available as a turn-around facility during stage two.
Travel delays with intermittent stops were also expected throughout stage one of the roadworks between July and September, including temporary changes to traffic flow at the intersections of McAuleys Lane and The Saddle Road.
Night works under consideration for vegetation clearing only
Stage one was to focus on safety improvements along Mullumbimby Road from the McAuleys Lane intersection to The Saddle Road intersection, including extra heavy patching expected to continue for twelve months.
Shoulder widening of Mullumbimby Road and McAuleys Lane at the intersection, a new right-hand turn lane for vehicles turning right on to McAuleys Lane from Mullumbimby Road, new pavement, signage, guardrail, and line marking were all on the list of stage one works.
Preparation work for the project’s second stage was also planned, including land clearing in the road reserves either side of Mullumbimby Road on approach to the Gulgan Road intersection.
Staff said they were considering having the land clearing done at night and impacted residents were to be consulted before any work started.
Stage two was to feature drainage and safety improvements along Mullumbimby Road from The Saddle Road intersection to the Gulgan Road intersection.
Minor road widening, drain clearing and extensions, and new culvert crossings were planned, along with new pavement, signage, and line marking, with staff saying more clearing of vegetation would be needed.
Council apologises for confusion
Staff said some recent work on The Saddle Road was a direct response to damage from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, including road grading and maintenance and vegetation management.
An apology was included in the letter.
‘We know that there has been some confusion about the announcement of the work relating to the upgrade of Mullumbimby Road and the emergency work and Council apologises for this,’ the letter read.
‘Council is currently carrying out the remaining pavement restoration works.’
Bike paths and Uncle Toms roundabout not guaranteed
The letter also included what staff described as an effort to clarify the scope of planned works in response to community confusion.
Funding was still being sought for a new roundabout at the Gulgan Road/Mullumbimby Road intersection near the Uncle Toms shop and café, and for new bike paths, meaning neither project was included in current roadwork plans.
Designs for a future Mullumbimby to Brunswick Heads cycleway were expected to finished soon, by mid-2025, staff said, with staff to work on funding options afterwards.
Staff said integration of the bike paths were being considered as part of the project ‘where corridor widths permit’ and separate communication and community consultation would also happen .
The Mullumbimby Road Upgrade Project wasn’t related to any other future projects on The Saddle Road, including The Saddle Road Precinct, nor to any future projects on McAuleys Lane.
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