Council receives an update on road infrastructure projects for Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council 2025

Date published: 25 November 2025

During a meeting on Tuesday, 25 November, Divisional Roads Manager Simon Wells addressed the council, stating:

““The Department’s Final 2025-26 Resource Budget is £637.1m, representing an increase of £77.6m from the 2024-25 opening budget. The Department has been historically underfunded for many years, so this is a welcome increase in the Departments resource budget allocation. However, this does not fully meet the requirements of the Department and therefore decisions on prioritising the budget have been made. This year the Department’s Final 2025-26 Capital Budget is £917m, representing an increase of £63.4m from the 2024-25 opening budget. This recognises the importance infrastructure plays to everyday lives by delivering positive change for all as we continue to invest for future generations. The opening capital budget for structural maintenance stands at £68 million which falls significantly short of our funding requirements. This will allow the delivery of our highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability, and drainage projects only. The Department has operated within a constrained resource budget for many years and to help address historical underfunding, additional funding has been allocated to essential maintenance and enhancing signs and lining and builds upon the existing level of service.”

Mr Wells acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2025-26 budget but reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering local transport improvements, safety schemes, and maintenance initiatives that boost road safety.

Mr Wells continued: 

“Last year, we completed key resurfacing works at Purdysburn Road, and at Ballynahinch Road, Annahilt.  We also commenced construction of a significant junction improvement at McKinstry Road/Derriaghy Road/ The Cutts, which was successfully completed this summer.”

Continuing Mr Wells said,

“Resurfacing in 2025/26, has included the completion of works on Moira Road and on Knockcairn Road, and we are currently on-site resurfacing Ballynahinch Road in Lisburn. Active Travel schemes continue to progress, and this year we completed a scheme on Alderwood Hill to improve access to St Ita’s Primary School. This was a pilot project that included the installation of pencil bollards to prevent parking on footways, creating a safer walking corridor for pupils.

“In our ongoing commitment to road safety, the Department is extending part-time 20mph zones to another 40 schools in 2025, bringing the total number implemented since 2020/21 to 273. I’m pleased to confirm that three of these new schemes are planned for the Lisburn & Castlereagh area. This important initiative aims to make journeys to and from school safer for children, parents, and staff, and demonstrates our dedication to safer routes and stronger communities across the region.”

In closing, Mr Wells said: 

“These projects will deliver significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City area.”