Ballina Road and the Bruxner Highway

Transport for NSW would like feedback from the community about the project's concept design, which has been released. You can provide feedback by:

• Completing the survey
• Emailing region.north@transport.nsw.gov.au. Please include ‘Ballina Rd/Bruxner Hwy design feedback' in the subject line
• Calling Transport on 1800 653 092 and asking to speak to the project team
• Posting a letter to Ballina Rd/Bruxner Hwy Project Team, Transport for NSW, PO 576, Grafton NSW 2460.

The community is requested to provide feedback by Friday, 12 November 2021.

The proposed design improves safety at the Ballina Road intersection, by permanently removing the right turn out of Ballina Road that has resulted in two fatal crashes in recent years.

The on ramp at Ellis Road has minimal environmental impacts, including no impacts to nearby waterways, and no travel time impacts to vehicles using the Bruxner Highway.

There would be minimal traffic impacts to construct the proposed design, and it is costed within the funding allocated for the project.

• What are the key objectives of the project?
  The NSW Government is providing $5 million to fund vital road safety improvements along the Bruxner Highway, including an improvements to the Ballina Road intersection at Alstonville. Key features of the proposed project are an on- ramp from Ellis Road to the Bruxner Highway, with a design speed of 80 km/h and a dedicated right and left turn into Ballina Road and left turn out of Ballina Road.
• What are the key benefits of the project?

  The proposed design improves safety at the Ballina Road intersection, by permanently removing the right turn out of Ballina Road that has resulted in two fatal crashes in recent years.

  The on ramp at Ellis Road has minimal environmental impacts, including no impacts to nearby waterways, and no travel time impacts to vehicles using the Bruxner Highway.

  There would be minimal traffic impacts to construct the proposed design, and it is costed within the funding allocated for the project.

• What traffic modelling was carried out to inform the design?

  Sidra analysis traffic modelling was completed at the Ballina Road intersection assessing 3 options:

  Outcomes from the modelling indicated:

  • Existing
  • Roundabout
  • Traffic signals
  • The existing intersection remains efficient into the future and no delays are incurred by the through movements on the Bruxner Highway (approximately 20,000 vpd)
  • The roundabout will incur delays for all movements and the majority through trips from Pacific Highway to Lismore will incur increased travel time. Annual intersection performance costs including vehicle operating cost (fuel consumption) and exhaust emissions are significantly higher than the existing intersection.
  • The traffic signals would not be efficient from date of construction, delays will be incurred on all movements and the level of service will be below the acceptable level. Annual intersection performance costs are significantly higher than a roundabout or the existing intersection.
• How long will it take before the community sees the final concept design?
  The community will have an opportunity to view any changes made to the design when the review of environmental factors (REF) report is displayed later this year.
• When will work start on the upgrade?
  It is estimated that construction will commence in the first quarter of 2022. The community will be kept up-to-date with an estimated start date close to the time, and during the progress of the project.
• How will community feedback be considered on the proposed intersection improvements?
  All feedback received will be passed to the project team to consider as part of finalising the concept design.
• How do I provide my feedback?

  Transport for NSW is calling for feedback on the proposed concept design. Feedback can be provided by:

  • Emailing us at region.north@transport.nsw.gov.au. Please include ‘Improvements on Bruxner Highway at Ballina Road feedback’ in the subject line.
  • Completing the online survey at Have your say

• October 2021 Community update

• Ballina Road map

  Preferred option at Ballina Road interchange.

• Ellis Road map

  Preferred option at Ellis Road.

• 25 October 2021
  Have your say on Alstonville intersection upgrades.