Lennox locals and visitors have reacted with dismay to the announcement that Ross Lane will be completely closed from 19 October to 18 December 2026, while the road is upgraded to better deal with future flooding.
Ballina Shire Council says Ross Lane will be closed for as much nine weeks to allow construction of a new bridge over Deadmans Creek, as part of the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project.
Prior to the full closure, Council says preparatory work will commence on 1 October, and motorists can expect temporary single-lane traffic arrangements from 12 October. Road users are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow signed detour routes during this time.
They say the complete closure of Ross Lane is necessary to safely complete critical bridge works, with the final dates subject to weather and site conditions.
If the weather is unkind, there’s a concern in the community that Lennox’s main connection to the west will still be closed at Christmas, the region’s busiest time of the year.
All traffic will be diverted to the north and west, via Byron Bay or Midgen Flat Road, and to the south and west via Ballina.
As reported earlier, Council decided against a temporary alternative route at Ross Lane, or a single lane closure option, due to the prohibitive cost. The work will be done by Hazell Bros, following a competitive tender process.
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Lennox locals and visitors have reacted with dismay to the announcement that Ross Lane will be completely closed from 19 October to 18 December 2026, while the road is upgraded to better deal with future flooding.
Ballina Shire Council says... Ballina Council has moved to draw a clearer distinction between homelessness and anti-social behaviour, declaring that rough sleeping is not an offence as it puts a new homelessness strategy out for public comment. The Ballina Salvage Shed is once again running its Recycled Art Competition, offering a fun and inclusive way for community members to redesign and repurpose materials that may otherwise be sent to landfill or left hidden in a shed. With the absence of all four of its progressive councillors for various reasons, Ballina Council pushed ahead with its agenda at yesterday's monthly meeting, including a decision which is likely to close Ross Lane for months while the road is upgraded. Want to connect with your local community groups? Ballina Council is inviting everyone to come along to the Ballina Shire Community Connections Expo on Saturday 29 August 2026, from 9am to 12pm at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
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