Burns Point Ferry temporary closure

The Burns Point Ferry, which connects West Ballina and South Ballina, will be closed for annual maintenance until November 25.

Motorists are advised to use the alternate route along the Pacific Highway and River Drive, Wardell until this time.

Ballina Shire Council, which maintains and operates the ferry service, said operations were scheduled to restart at 5.30am on November 25.

But it warned the return to service date will depend on how the works progress and weather conditions.

The closure will allow for structural, mechanical and electrical maintenance repairs to be carried out, along with minor safety upgrades.

If the ferry’s return to service is delayed, the shire will notify road users through local media, social media and the shire’s website.

Routine monthly maintenance is also scheduled for Tuesday December 10 from 9am to 1pm.

The Burns Point Ferry is a vehicular cable ferry that crosses the Richmond River between Burns Point Ferry Road at West Ballina and River Drive at Keith Hall.

It provides access from West Ballina to South Ballina, Keith Hall, Empire Vale, Patchs Beach and East Wardell.

The 300m ferry crossing takes approximately four minutes and operates on demand between 5.30am and 12.30am every day, except Christmas Day.

For more information, head to ballina.nsw.gov.au