Motorists will soon enjoy a safer and smoother journey on the Bruxner Highway with upgrades about to start between Lismore and Casino.

Nationals Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said the $1.5 million body of works would not only improve journeys along the busy link between the two regional centres, but also create local jobs.

“Transport for NSW has engaged Lismore City Council to rebuild a one-kilometre section of the Bruxner Highway about 15 kilometres east of Casino, and to install about 500 metres of new guardrail,” Mr Franklin said.

“This project won’t just ensure the highway continues to serve the community well into the future, but it will also provide work for about 20 local contractors and suppliers, supporting about 30 local jobs in total.

“We know how important it is to keep jobs and money in local economies during these challenging times, which is why I’m excited to see this project get under way from next week.”

Work will start this Wednesday, 23 September, and is expected to be completed in three months, weather permitting.

Work will be carried out from 7am to 6pm on weekdays and some weekend work may be required.

Lane closures and a reduced speed limit will be in place during work hours, and motorists should allow up to five minutes extra travel time, and follow the direction of signs and traffic control.

For those that use Summerland Way from Casino to Grafton, you can expect delays of up to five minutes as road widening and rebuilding work begins this week.

One lane will be closed with alternate traffic flow arrangements in place while wider road shoulders and centrelines are installed and the road resurfaced between 7am and 6pm Monday to Friday and 8am to 1pm on Saturdays.

The work should take two months to complete, weather permitting.

For the latest traffic updates download the Live Traffic NSW App, visit livetraffic.com or call 132 701.