Council receives an update on road infrastructure projects for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council 2026

Date published: 20 October 2026

During a meeting on Tuesday 20 October, Divisional Roads Manager Alan Keys addressed the council, stating:

“For planning purposes, an opening indicative allocation for structural maintenance of approximately £98 million is being provided, which is approximately £30 million higher than the opening allocation in the previous year. From this allocation the Department has targeted approximately £12.5 million towards a Roads Recovery Fund of which £10 million is for rural roads maintenance that is double the size of last year’s allocation.  This funding will enable the delivery of the highest priority resurfacing, roadside stability and drainage projects. 

 "To help prioritise, the Department is developing a Transport Strategy 2035, which sets out a long-term vision and strategic framework for the region. The strategy aims to support economic growth, strengthen regional balance, and enhance connectivity, while promoting a more sustainable transport system. It brings together key transport policy objectives within a single overarching framework, providing greater clarity on the context for the Department's decisions and the actions required across government to support delivery of these strategic outcomes. 

 “In parallel, Local Transport Plans are being developed alongside councils' Local Development Plans to ensure a more integrated approach to transport and land use planning.

“Road safety also remains a high priority for the Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users."

 Mr Keys continued: 

“Last year, we completed key resurfacing works on Moorfields Road, Ballymena, Coast Road, Ballygally, Glenravel Road, Cargin and Fernisky Road, Kells. Other projects, including a shared footway/cycleway at Grove Rd / Carnburn Rd, Ballymena and new footways at Church Road / Main Street, Kells and Grove Rd Ballymena have also been successfully completed."

Continuing Mr Keys said: 

“Looking ahead to 2026/27, we are planning additional resurfacing schemes across the district, with projects in Larne Road, Carrickfergus, and North Road, Moorfields Road, and Galgorm Road in Ballymena. We’re also advancing several significant Active Travel improvement initiatives throughout Mid and East Antrim. Among these is the provision of shared use paths at Grove Road, Ballymena and Gortgole Road, Portglenone. Further plans include provision of a controlled crossing adjacent to Ulidia Integrated college in Carrickfergus.”

In closing, Mr Keys said: 

“These projects will deliver significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in Mid and East Antrim.”