Bruxner Highway intersection with Cowlong and Alphadale roads

Based on investigations to enable safer access to Cowlong and Alphadale roads and ensure safety of through traffic movement along the Bruxner Highway, our preferred option is to install traffic lights at this intersection. See the latest project update here (PDF, 1.83 MB).

Reasons for this preferred option include:

• The proposed traffic lights at this intersection will mostly sit within the road reserve, reducing the project’s footprint and reducing the need for surrounding property acquisition.
• Transport for NSW found that due to the existing topography of the site, any roundabout would likely have a slight gradient, potentially increasing risks for truck rollovers. A similar risk does not exist with traffic lights which are safer.
• Installing traffic lights would result in less disruption and delays to motorists during construction when compared to building a roundabout.
• Traffic lights at this intersection align with the Bruxner Highway longer-term corridor improvements.
• To improve the overall connectivity between Lismore and Ballina, traffic lights will enhance safety and streamline traffic flow along the Bruxner Highway corridor.

The Bruxner Highway is a key east/west movement corridor between Ballina and Lismore. Safety is a key consideration for this route.

 

We are looking at options to improve safety and accessibility for the intersection of Cowlong and Alphadale roads. The intersection is located on the Bruxner Highway approximately 2.6 km east of Lismore. The land next to the intersection is mostly used for commercial purposes.

Cowlong Road is located on the inside of a large radius curve, on an inclined grade of the Bruxner Highway. Due to the combination of these geometric features, the intersection sight distance and turning movements out of the intersection onto the Bruxner Highway is limited. 

This issue is worsened by the number of heavy vehicles utilising the intersection to access the macadamia processing plant.

The Bruxner Highway has high traffic volumes between Lismore and the Pacific Highway, further limiting access. These limitations result in safety concerns for motorists seeking to access the Bruxner Highway and travel north or south. Transport for NSW (Transport) acknowledges that finding an appropriate gap in traffic to enter/exit the Bruxner Highway from either Cowlong Road or Alphadale Road, particularly during peak periods, is difficult.

In 2019 Transport installed warning signs at the intersection of the Bruxner Highway and Cowlong and Alphadale roads to increase driver awareness of the intersection and improve the overall safety of the road environment.

Since then, Transport has been carrying out investigations and exploring options to improve safety at the intersection.

Work to date include initial technical investigations, to understand key advantages and disadvantages of the options. Our work has found that installing traffic lights at this intersection is the best safety outcome.

Benefits of installing traffic lights and implementing a range of improvements at the Cowlong and Alphadale Roads intersections include:

• Improving safety at the Cowlong and Alphadale roads intersection
• Minimal environmental impact
• Consistent with long-term planning on the existing Bruxner Highway corridor
• Within available budget
• Improved safety for all road users
• Smaller footprint and less earthwork
• A road environment that maintains the area’s identity, while providing opportunities for future revitalisation and growth.

Community and stakeholders are invited to comment on the preferred option.

Transport values consulting and engaging with the community because we know it leads to better outcomes for stakeholders. 

The community is invited to provide comment by 24 November.

The community can make comment via the online survey.

Community drop-in session

Members of the project team will be available to discuss the preferred option at the following days and times:

Location: Anglican Church Hall, Daley Street, Alstonville

Date:  Thursday 14 November

Session 1 time: 12pm – 2 pm. Session 2 time: 4pm – 6pm.

Community feedback will be considered to help us finalise plans for the intersection. More information will be provided to the community and stakeholders as the project progresses.

• Project update - November 2024 (PDF, 1.83 MB)

• Bruxner Highway intersection with Cowlong and Alphadale roads - Frequently asked questions (PDF, 170.57 KB)