In early March 2023, two weeks before the state election, Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin made an election commitment of $7.5 million to construct a roundabout at the notorious Bruxner Highway/Alphadale/Cowlong Road blackspot.

Ahead of today's 2025/26 Budget, the NSW Government has announced a further $3.9 million to fulfil its election promise and deliver the much-needed safety improvements along the Bruxner Highway. This brings the total commitment to $11.4 million.

The new funding will progress the upgrade of the Bruxner Highway and Cowlong and Alphadale roads intersection to construction, improving this key connection between Lismore and Ballina.

After seeking feedback from the community, the preferred option has been identified as the installation of traffic lights. The new traffic lights will lead to the best safety outcome, particularly for heavy vehicles, and improve traffic flow and circulation.

Transport for NSW found that due to the existing topography of the site, any roundabout would likely have a slight gradient, potentially increasing risks for truck rollovers. A similar risk does not exist with traffic lights, which are safer. A roundabout would’ve also increased the project’s footprint and required property acquisition from surrounding landholders.

The 2025-26 Budget invests $12.1 billion over the next four years for roads and public transport across Regional NSW.

This Budget also invests $2.8 billion in partnership with the Australian Government in road safety over four years, delivering on commitments in the 2026 Road Safety Action Plan to allow the North Coast to focus on reducing deaths and serious injuries.

Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said, “I’ve fought for this safety upgrade for a long time and secured a $7.5-million election commitment in 2023. I’m glad to see the project receive all the funding it needs to get delivered.

“I’ve been advised by Transport for NSW that the project has only undergone early strategic concept assessment, and more detailed investigations and design concept work is yet to begin.

“While Transport will endeavour to work through this phase as quickly as possible, a number of investigations are needed to ensure this proposal can be delivered and operate safely.

“It is currently too early to determine a likely construction start, but an indicative timeline for development activities will be developed over the coming months.”

Minister for Roads Jenny Aitchison said, “The upgrade to the Alphadale Road and Bruxner Highway intersection will make a real difference to the safety and daily lives of locals.

“It’s about making sure families get home safely, freight moves efficiently, and growing regions have the infrastructure they need for the future.”