Member for Ballina Tamara Smith MP has today cautiously welcomed RMS changes to the Bruxner Highway intersection at Alstonville.
“However these measures are a band-aid for the real problem, which is that the intersection is not fit for purpose. A full interchange should have been built in the first place," she said.
The highway will be widened and there will be a trial of a no right hand turn by motorists onto the Bruxner Highway heading towards Lismore during late afternoon.
“I welcome anything that will make the intersection safer,” said Ms Smith.
“However these measures are a band-aid for the real problem, which is that the intersection is not fit for purpose.
“A full interchange should have been built in the first place and it is what motorists need to ensure greater safety.
“I recently surveyed residents of Alstonville and Wollongbar and nearby localities and the response has been that people feel unsafe at that intersection and they want an interchange with overpasses and underpasses.
“I also recently met with Ballina Shire Local Traffic Committee where a full interchange was deemed the gold standard in terms of safety.
“The Minister for Roads said that cost would not be a factor in making this stretch of road safer. She owes it to the families of the motorists who have died at this intersection to follow through and give everyone who uses this section of highway the safest option – a full interchange,” said Ms Smith.
The survey is available to take online at www.tamarasmith.org.au/blackspotsurvey