Kimmins announces next steps for A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme
Department of Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has made a major annouincement about the proposed Ballynaahinch By-Pass
Infrastructure Minister Kimmins has revealed the next steps for the progression of the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme.
The long-awaited scheme will provide a single carriageway bypass, approximately 3.1 kilometres in length around the eastern periphery of Ballynahinch.xa0
Minister Kimmins has confirmed that the scheme will be moving forward to business case and procurement stage.xa0
During a visit to the town, Minister Kimmins said:xa0“I am delighted to announce this positive step forward for the long-awaited A24 Ballynahinch Bypass scheme.xa0
“I know that for the local community, businesses and commuters through the area this will be a welcome development.xa0xa0
“This important project will help to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the centre of Ballynahinch, improving journey time reliability, road safety and air quality on the busy A24 Belfast to Newcastle Road.xa0
“As part of my commitment to increase opportunities for active and sustainable travel I am also pleased that the scheme will include the provision of a new footway/cycleway and a park and share facility.xa0xa0
“This will all serve toxa0enhance the town centre environment and provide a more positive experience for locals and visitors alike.”
Continuing, the Minister added:xa0“Major projects take years to develop and complete thexa0necessary statutory orders, so we do need toxa0prioritise the development and delivery of our schemes accordingly.
“On that basis and having alreadyxa0committed to take the A1 Junctions Phase 2 project to construction, I can confirm that, in order to minimise the budget impact on future years, the Ballynahinch Bypass will be managed sequentially to the A1 Junctions project.
“When completed, these strategic road improvement schemes will deliver for communities and road users for generations to come.”
The Department will now commence the work to review and update the necessary documents to bring this scheme to procurement, including the finalising of the Business Case.xa0
This process is likely to be in the region of two years.xa0
With a procurement start planned in 2027/28, works could commence in 2028/29 and take 2 years to complete.xa0
Delivery of the scheme will be dependent on the successful completion of the statutory processes and the future availability of finance.
Further information on the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme is available on the Department’s website at:xa0xa0
A24 Ballynahinch Bypass – overview | Department for Infrastructure
