Lighthouse Road open to two-way traffic

Lighthouse Road has reopened to both lanes of traffic for Byron Shire residents and visitors.

The new road opened on Friday evening, marking the end to major work on the important infrastructure project.

At a cost of $2.9million, the Lighthouse Road work included the construction of a reinforced soil slope, reconstruction of an elevated boardwalk, as well as site re-vegetation and restoration.

Road line markings and the re-vegetation work (the latter has commenced) will take place in coming weeks.

Council’s executive manager of community infrastructure, Phil Holloway, welcomed the reopening of Lighthouse Road to both lanes of traffic.

“Council staff are very pleased that Lighthouse Road is now open to community members and visitors alike,” he said.

“Improving Lighthouse Road was an immensely complex engineering job and it had to be done right. For the sake of the Byron Shire Community and its visitors, Council had to be confident the new structure could withstand any possible repeat of the extreme weather conditions that closed half the road originally.

“So we are excited to announce that the major work has now been done by the engineering firm engaged to complete the project.”

Mr Holloway said the two lane Lighthouse Road will once again provide a quick and easy route to some of the Byron Shire’s premier locations.

“Lighthouse Road provides access to some of the best beaches in Australia, including The Pass, and Wategos, as well as allowing people to drive to the Cape Byron Lighthouse,” he said.

“It is terrific news that traffic will now be able to access the best of Byron Shire’s natural assets without any delays.

“We have also received positive feedback from residents living near Lighthouse Road regarding the minimum level of traffic noise produced by the asphalt used at the site."

Late last year, the boardwalk that runs from the Captain Cook Beach car park to Brooke Drive, the entrance to The Pass, was also reopened to the community.

“The boardwalk and view from Lighthouse Road over the Bay are some of the best to be found in the Byron Shire or indeed Australia,” Mr Holloway said.

“We are thrilled that these important community assets can now be used to their fullest extent.

Mr Holloway also thanked the Byron Shire community and its visitors for their patience regarding the work at Lighthouse Road.

“Council appreciates that fixing Lighthouse Road has taken time to complete properly, and would impact the community while the work was carried out,” he said.

“Council thanks the Byron Shire community for its patience given the complexity of the job.

“Thankfully residents and visitors are now able to enjoy one of the best walks and drives the Byron Shire has to offer.”