Lions Road temporarily closed from 17 February

Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the Queensland border crossing will be closed to through traffic  from Monday 17 February to mid-June while Council replaces six culverts damaged in the February 2022 floods.

However, it’s likely the road closure will be extended to the end of the year so five major landslips can also be repaired. A decision on if, and when, the road closure will be extended will be made within the next month.

Meanwhile, Council will attempt to re-open Lions Road for holiday makers and travellers for two weeks over the NSW Easter school holidays from Friday, 11 April to Sunday, 27 April. The temporary re-opening will be dependent on weather conditions and the progress of the work.

Kyogle Council Mayor Danielle Mulholland said the closure while inconvenient would result in a safer, more flood resilient road for all motorists.

“Unfortunately, the section of Lions Road between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing where both lots of work is to be done is narrow and winding and it simply would not be safe to keep it open while the works are carried out,” Cr Mulholland said.

“There will be large earth moving equipment in place and lots of heavy vehicles travelling the road, and there are very few places on the road you can construct by-passes.

“I understand this is not ideal and it will be inconvenient for both locals and travellers alike. However, it will allow Council to safely deliver a better, safer road that is more secure during intense rain periods.”

The Lions Road closure between Standfields Bridge and the border crossing will not affect Gradys Creek Road which will remain open. However, motorists are urged to use caution as there will be increased heavy vehicle traffic using the road during the hours of 6.30am and 5pm while the work is undertaken.