All we want for Christmas: Ross Lane reopening
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Ross Lane should reopen in time for Christmas, subject to weather conditions, with Ballina Shire Council now formally confirming the timetable for the major flood resilience upgrade.
Construction will begin on October 1, with temporary single-lane traffic arrangements introduced from October 12.
The road will then close completely from October 19 until December 18 while critical work is carried out on a new bridge over Deadmans Creek.
The dates confirm those first revealed by Ballina News Daily earlier this month, when news of the nine-week shutdown prompted a huge response from readers concerned about traffic, detours and the impact on businesses.
Council has now also set up a dedicated service allowing residents, businesses and drivers to sign up for construction updates as the project progresses.
Nine weeks to build critical bridge works
Ross Lane carries about 8,400 vehicles every day and provides an important connection between Lennox Head, Ballina and the Pacific Motorway.
The $4.35 million project will raise sections of the road and replace the existing culvert at Deadmans Creek with a wider concrete bridge.
The NSW Government is providing $3.9 million through its Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package, with Ballina Shire Council contributing the remaining $450,000.
Once completed, Council says the upgraded crossing should allow Ross Lane to remain open during flood events up to the one-in-five-year level.
Mayor Sharon Cadwallader said the project would make the important route more reliable.
“Ross Lane is an important connection for residents, businesses, commuters, freight operators and emergency services,” she said.
“This project will reduce the frequency of flood-related road closures and improve access during more frequent flood events.”
Council says the full closure will allow the critical bridge works to be completed more quickly and efficiently, significantly reducing both construction time and cost compared with trying to keep the road partially open.
Residents can now sign up for updates
The closure dates reported here earlier prompted a strong response from readers, particularly over the timing immediately before Christmas.
Some also raised concerns about businesses along Ross Lane and the additional travel facing families who regularly use the route.
Natalee Kirkwood questioned whether enough consideration had been given to businesses directly affected.
“For a small, community-run business, this isn’t simply an inconvenience, it could potentially flatten them financially,” she wrote.
Roly Dixon raised particular concerns about access to Lennox Aquatic Centre, including the impact on families attending swimming lessons at the beginning of summer.
Council’s latest announcement acknowledges the closure will cause disruption, although it does not specifically address concerns raised about individual businesses or lengthy detours.
It has, however, promised to keep residents, businesses, transport providers and other stakeholders informed throughout the works.
People can now sign up directly for construction updates, providing an opportunity to receive the latest information about traffic arrangements and progress towards the December 18 reopening.
