Tweed Shire Council is urging motorists to plan ahead and seek alternative routes between the CBD and South Murwillumbah for up to four weeks from 25 September when essential works to upgrade the town's main sewer main are undertaken.
Traffic delays and detours can be expected during these vital works, when the Wollumbin Street bridge will be reduced to a single lane – one way traffic only into the Murwillumbah CBD – to allow workers to complete the necessary upgrade safely. Detours will be in place for outbound traffic.
Acting Director Engineering Tim Mackney said the current upgrade follows the successful completion of the preceding sewer upgrades along Wollumbin Street last year and Alma Street the year before.
"This project is critical to replace essential sewerage infrastructure – which is approaching the end of its serviceable life – and connect previously upgraded infrastructure on either side of the bridge," Mr Mackney said.
"This upgrade will not only prevent service failure and potential pollution of the Tweed River but also paves the way for future development in South Murwillumbah, including the industrial estate. Council is committed to delivering essential infrastructure upgrades to meet the growing needs of the community."
To ensure the project's success and the safety of both road users and our workers, site preparation works will commence on Wednesday 20 September. These initial preparations will not impact traffic flow and will allow Council to proceed smoothly into the next phase.
From Monday 25 September, one lane on the bridge will be closed during work hours, which will cause delays. The other lane and footpath will remain open under traffic control measures.
The works are expected to take up to four weeks to complete, weather permitting.
"Council is particularly conscious of the potential impacts of these works and will ensure one lane of the bridge remains open for motorists inbound to the CBD, meaning residents and businesses continue to have access to this essential thoroughfare," Mr Mackney said.
"Detours will be in place for outbound traffic via Cane Road, using Queensland Road or Tumbulgum Road, or Bakers Road and Mistral Road.
"Following feedback from the community, we have altered our traffic arrangements to lessen the impact on surrounding businesses. Crews will now work Monday to Thursday to allow easier access on Fridays which businesses tell us is a busy day. Work hours will also now be from 6 am to 6 pm to complete as much work as possible before schools return.
"We understand the inconvenience this may cause and apologise for any disruptions however this approach ensures the safety of our workers and minimises any potential risks associated with working at height and conducting works at night.
"Importantly, we have scheduled the start of these works to coincide with the September school holidays when traffic volumes are reduced. We are also considering weekend work after school resumes, dependent on traffic impacts and work progress. Our primary goal is to complete this project efficiently while minimising inconveniences to the community.
"We appreciate everyone's patience and cooperation during this essential project, which will benefit our community in the long run."
Electronic signage will be in place before works start. Information about traffic disruptions will be published on Council's roadworks and closures page at tweed.nsw.gov.au/roadworks as well as Live Traffic NSW.
