Millions poured in to road work

MAJOR works worth $2.7 million at South Beach Road in Brunswick Heads are expected to be complete by the end of August.

It includes upgrades at the Torakina Carpark, which is one of the most popular spots for swimming in the region

There will be a new drainage and improvements to existing drainage with kerb and gutter works.

Byron Shire Council is asking the community to avoid the work site as much as possible and seek alternative parking in town.

Council director of infrastructure services Phil Holloway said it will be a complete reconstruction of the road.

“We’re asking beachgoers and anyone wanting to access the river, foreshore parks and beaches to seek an alternative car park in Brunswick Heads and walk over one of the bridges,” Mr Holloway said.

“All residents of South Beach Road, businesses, services providers and other key stakeholders who we’ve been in contact with will be able to gain access to their properties via the traffic controllers.

The first stage of construction includes drainage works across Torakina car park and South Beach Lane and both of these areas will be fenced off to the public, under traffic control arrangements.

A traffic bypass will be in place so that South Beach Lane residents can access their properties.

“Fortunately, we’ve been able to start this project after the school holidays in what is a quieter time, and with the community’s support we’re aiming to get this major reconstruction done as safely and as quickly as possible, Mr Holloway said.

“We’re working closely with the surf club and have arrangements in place to ensure the quality of the road will not be compromised by the club’s renovation,” Mr Holloway said.

Pedestrian access to the parks, foreshore areas, beaches and dog beach will remain open to the community, along with the tennis club and community centre.

The project has been funded by more than $1m from the NSW Government, $500,000 from the federal Roads to Recovery program and $1.2m from Byron Shire Council.