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 |
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.
