B15 Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle - Overview

Background

After a spell of prolonged heavy rainfall throughout the preceding day and night, the Glenshesk Road partially collapsed on 27 March 2024 due an embankment failure.

The rainfall event was one factor contributing to the road collapse.

The topography of the site is such that it slopes steeply from west to east, down towards the Glenshesk River.

Furthermore, the geology on the higher side suggests potential shallow bedrock which encourages runoff from the surface, given the steep profile. On the lower side, there is sandy soil which provides little cohesion.

Given the above factors, it highlights that the area is susceptible to slippages and landslides, however we are unable to predict where and when they will occur.

The Glenshesk Road has therefore been closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to safety concerns, between U5075 Glenbank Road and U5077 Greenan Road, and a fully signed diversionary route is currently in place.

The footage shows the magnitude of the embankment failure.

The design process has various approval procedures in place which must be followed to ensure risks are identified and managed. Geotechnical Approval of the proposed design is a mandatory part of the process and ensures that the design reduces the risk of a further failure, either during construction, or of the completed work.

Current Position

• Enabling works/ surveys – complete with exception of environmental survey work which is ongoing
• Highways/Drainage Design & Approval – ongoing – drainage survey is complete, and it is anticipated that drainage works will take place in parallel with slope stability works
• Geotechnical Design & Approvals – ongoing, expected to be completed early 2025
• Construction Phase – not started

Subject to funding, environmental considerations and favourable weather conditions, construction will begin in spring of 2025.

*Damage associated with Storm Bert - The Glenshesk Road is now fully open at this location (Ballycastle side of Greenan Road) since 11 December 2024.

Last updated January 2025