Resurfacing work on the Lismore Bangalow Road is improving safety for the thousands of motorists who use this vital arterial route each day.

Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the $11 million project has now progressed to the second stage of work, which includes resurfacing 33 kilometres and building a new overtaking lane.

“This project is supporting 10 direct jobs at a time when they’re needed most in regional NSW, while improving safety for all road users,” Mr Toole said.

“Materials are being sourced from local suppliers and the project is also employing local contractors, helping the NSW Government deliver on its commitment to maintaining jobs in regional communities.”

Member of the Legislative Council Ben Franklin said this stage of the project involves resurfacing about 33 kilometres of the road east of Eureka Road at Clunes, widening road shoulders and building a new 800-metre overtaking lane towards Bangalow.

“The corridor connects the Bruxner Highway at Lismore to the Pacific Highway at Bangalow and serves as a general access route between Lismore and Bangalow with further connections to Byron Bay, so its ongoing viability is essential for the region,” Mr Franklin said.

“We remain committed to reducing deaths and serious injuries on the state’s roads because one life lost is one too many. While motorists may experience temporary inconvenience with the work and its associated traffic restrictions, the end result will be a smoother and safer journey for all road users.”

The NSW Government previously provided $8 million to improve a three-kilometre section of Lismore Bangalow Road between Bexhill and Clunes where works are now complete.

Work to resurface the road, widen road shoulders and improve the alignment on a 1.5 kilometre section of road between James Gibson Road and Eureka Road has also been completed as part of stage one. Vegetation clearing and work to improve the stability of bridge abutments has been completed for Wilsons Creek Bridge on Lismore Bangalow Road at Nashua.