B15 Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle - Overview
The Glenshesk Road partially collapsed due to an embankment failure on 27 March 2024.
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 - 5 November 2025
The contractors recently submitted programme shows works substantially complete by the end of November 2025, which will allow removal of the road closure and the associated traffic diversion, as previously advised. Following this a lane closure will be operational to facilitate construction of a masonry parapet, which is planned for completion in December 2025.
Updates
- Kimmins announces the Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle will reopen to traffic
- Update on Glenshesk Road embankment reconstruction works
- Infrastructure Minister Kimmins welcomes start of embankment reconstruction works on Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle
Last updated November 2025