A notorious blackspot on the Bruxner Highway between Lismore and Ballina will finally be fixed, with the NSW Government committing $3.9 million in the State Budget to install traffic lights at the dangerous Cowlong–Alphadale Roads intersection.

The new allocation brings the total commitment for the project to $11.4 million, delivering on a key election promise by State MP for Lismore, Janelle Saffin.

The funding will allow the project to progress to the construction phase, with traffic lights confirmed as the preferred option following community consultation and technical assessments.

Ballina Shire Councillor Dr Simon Kinny welcomed the long-awaited safety upgrade, saying the intersection – while just outside the shire boundary  – remains a daily pain point and safety risk for the thousands of locals who commute between Ballina and Lismore daily for work and business.

Dr Kinny said he would have preferred to see a roundabout installed, as it would typically be more effective in managing rural traffic flows. 

However, that option has been ruled out by Transport for NSW, which found that the site’s sloping topography could create a truck rollover hazard. A roundabout would also have required a larger project footprint and acquisition of land from neighbouring properties.

To keep traffic flowing more freely without light changes, the initial design includes left-turn exit lanes off the highway and the Alphadale and Cowlong roads.

Ms Saffin said the project was still in the early stages, with detailed design work yet to begin.

“While Transport will endeavour to work through this as quickly as possible, a number of investigations are still needed to ensure this proposal can be delivered and operate safely,’ Ms Saffin said. 

“It is currently too early to determine a likely construction start, but an indicative timeline for development will be finalised over coming months.”