Motorists are being warned to brace for the most disruptive phase of Ballina’s $85 million bridge duplication project, with council saying the “peak pain period” starts now.

In recent weeks, preliminary work around Fishery Creek has already caused lengthy delays, with traffic coming in from the west at times backing up towards the M1 interchange. 

Ballina Shire Council says the worst of the disruption will occur over the next 12 months before easing as the project progresses towards completion in late 2027.

The project will deliver four traffic lanes across both Fishery Creek and Canal bridges, doubling capacity across the waterways.

Work on the bridge substructure — including piles, abutments and headstocks — begins this week.

Ballina Shire Council project manager Brett Dyki warned motorists to allow extra time for their journeys.

“We’re duplicating the roadway and building the bridge, so there will be a number of traffic switches through this year and into next year until we open the bridge,” he said.

“All construction has a level of disruption, but in the planning phase, we worked to minimise that disruption, and we’ve got communication out early, so we hope everyone is informed.

“But just allow some extra time into your journey, it will take longer than your normal commute.”

Council updated the local business community on the works timeline for the Fishery Creek and Canal bridge duplications at a special Ballina Chamber of Commerce briefing event for businesses event last week.

The council’s key message was that the short-term pain would deliver long-term gains for motorists, businesses and the wider community.

Businesses back duplication

Adam Nobel from Kimberley Kampers said he had no concerns and was excited about the development.

“I am here to see how they’re going to roll it out and implement those changes, and then give that feedback back to my employees,” Mr Nobel said.

Financial adviser Jonathon Hanley also said he expected limited inconvenience.

“I am feeling confident it’s going to be well managed, and I’m here to hear a bit more and just ask questions to understand everything about it,” he said.

“I think there’s been quite a lot of forewarning and advice to businesses about what’s happening, so I’m on board.”

Former Ballina Shire councillor and IT consultant Stephen McCarthy said he remained concerned about the impact on River Street businesses.

“Personally, I won’t be impacted as I work from home, but I do have concerns for the general River Street businesses,” he said.

“I was lucky enough to be a councillor for eight years, and I argued that maybe Barlows Road (CBD bypass proposal) should be built first, but I lost that debate.”

Some concerns remain

New Ballina Homestead Motel owner Anna Battersby said she was keen to better understand how the works could affect visitor numbers.

“Being newcomers to the area, I guess we don’t know the history of the project,” she said.

“We’re a bit concerned about how that’s going to possibly redirect the flow of visitors into Ballina and whether that’s going to impact our business from a visitation perspective.

“I’m interested to find out a bit more from the council about whether there will be any kind of mitigation strategy in place to still encourage business to Ballina, support our businesses here, and make sure that we’re not all suffering throughout the duration of the project.”