Construction on a $4.35 million flood-resilience upgrade of Ross Lane at Lennox Head is due to begin today, ahead of a nine-week closure of the busy road later this month.
Ballina Shire Council says contractor Hazell Bros will begin work on the Ross Lane Flood Resilience Project at Deadmans Creek from October 1.
The early stages of construction will take place while the road remains open, with temporary single-lane traffic arrangements scheduled to begin on October 12.
Ross Lane is then due to close completely from October 19 until December 18 to allow construction of a new bridge over Deadmans Creek.
The project will replace the existing culvert crossing with a wider concrete bridge, raise sections of Ross Lane and upgrade the road approaches and drainage.
Ross Lane carries about 8,400 vehicles each day and is an important connection between Lennox Head, Ballina, Tintenbar, Alstonville, Wollongbar and Lismore.
Ballina Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the project was designed to reduce the frequency of flood-related closures.
‘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,’ Cr Cadwallader said.
The upgrade is designed to keep the road open during flood events up to about the one-in-five-year level, although larger floods will still be able to overtop the road and bridge.
The NSW Government is providing $3.9 million towards the project, with Council contributing about $450,000.
Council says Ross Lane is expected to reopen on December 18, subject to wet weather and site conditions, with the broader project scheduled for completion by Christmas.
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