Rous Road Roundabout Upgrade
| Funding |
Funded by Transport for NSW as part of the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program |
| Department |
Roads and Quarry |
| Status |
Work to start January 2025 |
| Timeframe |
The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete, weather permitting |
| Strategic purpose |
To enhance road safety in the area |
March 2025 update
Prior to the event during the week of the 3 March 2025, the roundabout at Rous Road was 75% complete. Weather conditions have delayed the works, as road crews complete network wide inspections and response works. Damages - including potholes - to the project as a result of the event have been responded to by the Roads crew. Further inspections and response works will occur over the coming days.
Prior to the event, all drainage surrounding the works had been completed, as well as the first layer of the roads asphalt. Two more layers of asphalt will be laid before the road itself is complete. Both Caroona driveways have been completed, with the entry driveway operational and the exit driveway in the final stages of curing before completion.
80% of the new footpaths have been installed. To facilitate safe road crossing for pedestrians five curb ramps and four pedestrian refuge islands are included in the roundabout. The inner roundabout curbs have been completed, and the inner concrete layer will be poured over the coming days depending on weather. Once finalised, landscaping will be finished in the centre. Low growing shrubs will be planted to maintain visibility for roundabout users. This vegetation will be maintained by Council.
FAQs
Large potholes have appeared in the pavement, as a result of extensive wet weather. When will these be filled in?
On Saturday, 08 March and again on Wednesday, 11 March 2025, crews visited the work site and filled the large potholes. Crews will continue to visit the site to monitor and address potholes as required for the duration of works.
When will the roundabout be completed?
At this stage, works have halted at the site while crews monitor and complete response works across Lismore. The site will continue to be monitored to ensure it is safe and useable for motorists, until works can resume. Crews are expected back on site in the coming days, pending contractor availability, as a number of works have been put on hold around the local government area.
What site close down procedures were followed to ensure safety for road users and nearby residents?
A number of actions were undertaken by the crew prior to the event. The road was sealed with a temporary seal, as final asphalt works were delayed due to the weather event. All loose materials were moved or removed, and drains were completed, to ensure effective removal of water. Signage was also in place to support clarity for road users. These actions all ensuring the safety of residents and road users.
January 2025 update
Works are now 50% complete, with an estimated six weeks until construction is finalised. During January, works included widening of the northern side, installation of the new kerb and gutter, piped stormwater and drainage pits, and the new entry only Caroona driveway.
Works will now commence on the southwestern (Caroona facility) side including removal of the existing roundabout structure. This will also include adjustments to the traffic entering/exiting Caroona facility. The existing Caroona entry/exit driveway will be closed off commencing Monday with traffic entering the facility to use the new entry only driveway. Traffic exiting the facility will use the existing exit only driveway located near Reserve Street.
Asphalt works will also be commencing in the coming weeks with the final asphalt wearing surface layer to be completed on a Saturday to minimise impact for road users. Jubilee Street will remain closed with detours in place until the end of the project.
December 2024 update
The Council is pleased to announce that upgrades to the roundabout at the intersection of Rous Road and Oliver Avenue, along with additional safety improvements, are set to begin on Monday, 6 January 2025. The project is expected to take approximately eight weeks to complete, weather permitting.
This vital upgrade has been made possible through funding from Transport for NSW under the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, which aims to enhance road safety in high-risk areas.
What are the works?
The planned works will start with improvements to the drainage infrastructure and road widening on the northern side of the existing roundabout. Following this, construction of a new, larger roundabout will commence. The upgraded roundabout will feature a 6-meter-wide travel lane and enhanced access to Jubilee Avenue and the Caroona Marima Care Facility, ensuring a safer and more efficient road network for the community.
What are the traffic adjustments?
Temporary traffic control measures, including stop/slow systems and reduced speed limits, will be in place throughout the works. Commuters should expect delays and are encouraged to allow extra travel time or use alternate routes where possible. Work will generally occur between 7am and 4pm on weekdays, with occasional weekend work if required.
From Monday, 13 January, Jubilee Avenue will be closed to through traffic at the roundabout for the remainder of the construction period. A temporary detour will be available via Phillip Street, McDermott Avenue, and Oliver Avenue. Please refer to the provided map for further details.
We kindly ask all commuters to travel through the construction zone at low speed, follow traffic control instructions, and drive carefully. Your cooperation with all traffic control and workplace safety measures is greatly appreciated to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Temporary traffic detour for Jubilee Avenue.
FAQs
Why are we building a new roundabout?
The roundabout was noted in the Blackspot program. This looks at a range of categories to highlight the development of blackspot areas.
Factors contributing to the design include:
- There are large trees reducing sight distance and light in all three directions.
- The proximity of Jubilee Avenue to Rous Road is approximately 20 metres, which causes confusion to motorists on where a vehicle is turning.
- The intersection is over a crest which reduces stopping time if a vehicle exits from Jubilee Avenue onto Oliver Avenue.
There have been six (6) recorded accidents in this area between 2018 and 2023, three (3) directly at the roundabout and three (3) east along Oliver Avenue.
Overall, the intention is to improve the standard of the roundabout and the safety of motorists.
Why are the Caroona driveways being changed?
The existing entry/exit onto the roundabout from Caroona will be reduced to an Exit Only and a new Entry Only point will be constructed off Rous Road approximately 40m west of the roundabout. These driveway modifications will provide safer entry and egress for Caroona, and for cars circulating on the roundabout.
How many trees are going to be removed?
There will be three (3) trees removed on the Northern side of Rous Road, which will be replaced in the same vicinity. These trees are not koala food trees and are outside the biodiversity zone.
Are we going ahead with the roundabout on Reserve Street?
Yes, this roundabout is part of the Rous Road design and is confirmed for development as a separate project (timing to be confirmed).
What is the impact on residents?
During construction there will be temporary traffic control measures implemented that will cause delays and disruption to motorists.
Residents on Jubilee Street travelling south will need to follow the temporary detour route in place.
Who should I contact with questions/ concerns?
We apologise in advance for disruptions you may experience while we carry out these planned works.
If you have any concerns, please call our Manager Roads Engineering, Steven Bennetts on 02 6625 0500 (24-hour service) or email council@lismore.nsw.gov.au and include the title ‘Intersection of Rous Road and Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah roadworks’.
About the project
In January 2025, the Lismore City Council will commence an upgrade of the roundabout and associated safety improvements at the intersection of Rous Road and Oliver Avenue in Goonellabah. This essential project, funded by Transport for NSW as part of the Australian Government’s Black Spot Program, aims to enhance road safety in the area.
The planned works will involve upgrading the current roundabout to a standard size and adding an entrance from Jubilee Avenue, improving traffic flow and intersection safety. Between 2018 and 2023, this location witnessed six accidents, all resulting in injuries. By enhancing the roundabout, Council aims to mitigate future incidents and improve driver safety.
Additionally, investigations are underway to install a smaller roundabout at the Rous Road and Reserve Street intersection, alongside pedestrian refuges and concrete medians. With traffic set to increase due to a new Childcare Centre, these measures aim to enhance pedestrian and motorist safety.
Key upgrades include installing pedestrian refuges with fencing for safer crossings, removing large trees affecting sight distance at Caroona Marima Care Facility, adding signage and line markings, and improving street lighting. Vegetation management will ensure minimal environmental impact, with only three small trees affected.
Construction is anticipated to begin in early 2025, and temporary road signage may be installed as needed.
