Kimmins announces next steps for A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced the next steps for the progression of the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme.
The proposed scheme will provide a single carriageway bypass, approximately 3.1 kilometres in length around the eastern periphery of Ballynahinch. Minister Kimmins has confirmed that the scheme will be moving forward to business case and procurement stage.
During a visit to the town, Minister Kimmins said:
“I am delighted to announce this positive step forward for the long-awaited A24 Ballynahinch Bypass scheme. I know that for the local community, businesses and commuters through the area this will be a welcome development.
“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. 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.
“This will all serve to enhance the town centre environment and provide a more positive experience for locals and visitors alike.”
Continuing the Minister said:
“Major projects take years to develop and complete the necessary statutory orders, so we do need to prioritise the development and delivery of our schemes accordingly. On that basis and having already committed 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. This process is likely to take in the region of two years. With a procurement start planned in 2027/28, works could commence in 2028/29 and take 2 years to complete. Delivery of the scheme will be dependent on the successful completion of the statutory processes and the future availability of finance.
Notes to editors:
- Further information on the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme is available on the Department’s website at: A24 Ballynahinch Bypass - overview | Department for Infrastructure
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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