Warning of major disruption in Byron Bay as key intersection closes for months

A KEY intersection in Byron Bay’s main street will close for three months as part of Byron Shire Council’s major drainage upgrade.

The intersection of Jonson Street and Byron Street will be closed from late February until late May to allow the installation of new culverts. The culverts will connect with drainage already completed in the railway corridor, as well as further drainage works planned for the laneway between Guzman y Gomez and Byron Hot Bread Kitchen.

That laneway will also be closed during the works, but is expected to reopen by the Easter long weekend – when tourists flock to Byron Bay for the annual Bluesfest music festival.

During the closure, U-turn bays will be provided on both streets, while traffic control, signage and temporary parking restrictions will be in place.

Council’s manager of assets and major projects Christopher Soulsby said the temporary closure would enable the upgrade to be completed as quickly as possible.

“While we know this will be disruptive, we will try to reduce impacts to the town centre where possible,” Mr Soulsby said. “This includes restoring access to the laneway and Lawson Street South Car Park by the Easter long weekend.”

Byron Bay’s town centre sits on low-lying land and has a long history of flooding during heavy rainfall, including during the 2022 Northern Rivers floods.

Council says the existing stormwater system does not have the capacity to manage high volumes of runoff, which can lead to flooding that affects businesses and residents.

The drainage upgrade is designed to increase the capacity and efficiency of the underground stormwater network and improve the flow of floodwater toward Belongil Creek and coastal outlets.

The project is being delivered with funding from NSW and Australian Government disaster recovery and resilience programs, aimed at reducing future flood risk and improving access around the town during severe weather.

During earlier stages of the project, including drainage works along Lawson Street, some local businesses reported significant drops in customer numbers and sales due to noise, dust and reduced pedestrian access.

Byron Community Market has also moved to Main Beach while the works are being carried out.

Night works are also scheduled to take place in the town centre from Monday 16 February for up to two weeks.

Further drainage upgrade works along Byron Street are planned from June to November 2026.

For more information about the works visit Council’s website.