Alstonville bypass expected to open in 2010
Tenders for construction of the Alstonville bypass will be called later this year and the bypass is expected to be open to traffic around the end of 2010.
The Australian and NSW Ministers responsible for delivering new road infrastructure last week inspected the Alstonville bypass site on the Bruxner Highway following the Federal Budget announcement of funding to start construction.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Anthony Albanese and NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal met with Federal Member for Page Janelle Saffin and members of the Alstonville Bypass Committee.
“Thanks to the $13.6 million delivered in the Rudd Labor Government’s first budget, I can confirm that construction of the Alstonville bypass will start this year,” said Mr Albanese.
“The Alstonville bypass will clear a bottleneck on the road between Ballina and Lismore and assist in getting trucks and through traffic out of the urban area.
“Our $13.6 million is a down-payment to get work started – we will provide $90 million in total to build the Alstonville bypass.
“This is about the Rudd Labor Government delivering on its election commitments and fixing Australia’s over-stretched transport networks.”
Mr Roozendaal said the project involved a 6.6km bypass of the Bruxner Highway at Alstonville.
The bypass will begin at Sneaths Road, Wollongbar and rejoin the highway at the Tropical Fruit Research Station at Perrys Hill, east of Alstonville.
“The Alstonville bypass will provide significant benefits, including faster travel times for local and highway traffic and better traffic flow along the existing highway,” Mr Roozendaal said.
“The project will also reduce waiting times at intersections, reduce vehicle operating costs and lower emissions.
“Residents of Alstonville and Wollongbar will benefit from reduced traffic congestion and better pedestrian access and safety.”
PICTURE: At the announcement in Alstonville last week were Ballina Shire Councillor David Wright, Page MP Janelle Saffin and Bypass Action Group member Bob Wilson.
