The RTA has commenced construction works on the Ballina bypass Pacific Highway upgrade and as part of a review the RTA has refined the improved concept design. Note this review has not affected the timing of the construction of the Ballina bypass.
The refined design is now on display.The August 2008 community update (pdf, 5.7 MB) describes the modifications incorporated in the refined design and the key reasons why they were chosen.
The Refined Design Report is available from the public information section of this website.
Key improvements
Since the display of the 2007 concept design, the RTA was able to acquire property outside of the original approved corridor. This allowed for the opportunity to undertake further improvements to the 2007 concept design.
The major changes incorporated in the refined design are:
- Fully separating the Bruxner Highway and Pacific Highway between the existing intersection of the highways and the Teven Road interchange.
- Providing opportunity for staging of the Ballina bypass so funds can be allocated across the whole Pacific Highway upgrade program.
In addition, the latest design:
- Removes the split carriageway between the Cumbalum interchange and Sandy Flat Road.
- Introduces a climbing lane up to Ross Lane.
- Connects to future Pacific Highway upgrade projects to the north by improving the Ross Lane interchange to connect with the preferred route of the Tintenbar to Ewingsdale Pacific Highway upgrade.
Why refine the design?
The proposed design refinements will be one lane each way. A full duplication of the link will occur at a later date as part of the ultimate refined design. The benefits will include:
- Improved overall road safety and traffic efficiency on this section of the highway.
- Better use of available funds for upgrading the highway while still meeting the overall objectives of the Ballina bypass project.
- Removal of the Bruxner flyover bridge resulting in improved visual outcomes and greater separation of Bruxner and Pacific Highway traffic.
- Improved compatibility of the project with adjacent sections of the highway.
Display locations
The refined design and assessment of environmental impacts are now on display at the following locations:
- Ballina Shire Council, corner of Cherry and Tamar Streets, Ballina (Mon-Fri, 9am - 4pm).
- Ballina Motor Registry, Ballina West Shopping Centre, Ballina (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm).
- Lismore Motor Registry Carrington Street, Lismore (Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 5pm and Sat 8.30am - 12pm).
- RTA Pacific Highway Office, 21 Prince Street, Grafton (Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4.30pm).
- Ballina Bypass Alliance, corner of Teven Road and Pacific Highway, West Ballina (Mon-Fri, 9am - 5pm).
Project staff will discuss the improvements in detail at an information session to be held in Ballina on 3 September 2008..
