People travelling from Belfast to Newcastle will be able to bypass Ballynahinch after a new road was given the green light.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has today confirmed she plans to make the ‘Direction Order’ for the Ballynahinch Bypass scheme.
The 3.1 km scheme will be a single carriageway bypass, with ‘2+1’ sections for overtaking as well as a new footway/cycleway along its length and a park & share facility at the northern end.
A statement released on Monday, did not provide an expected completion date for £35 - 45million project. While the town is bypassed, the Minister says the plans will make its centre a “sustainable, liveable place”.
She added: “I want to reaffirm my commitment to the delivery of the Ballynahinch scheme and I am delighted to announce this key step in the development of the Ballynahinch Bypass scheme.
“This important project, will deliver a bypass that will significantly reduce motor traffic in the centre of Ballynahinch and improve journey time reliability and safety on the A24 Belfast to Newcastle Road.
“In parallel with this work, my Department is exploring further opportunities to improve the town centre to create a sustainable, liveable place where people have the space to stay, meet, shop and safely walk, wheel and cycle. This will include opportunities for active and sustainable travel in the town including a new footway/cycleway and a park and share facility on the bypass.
“We have a real opportunity to seize this chance for change and build back better together for our local communities. As Minister I’m committed to making progress in Ballynahinch and right across the North.
"This is a positive step forward for the local community who have waited many years for progress on the Ballynahinch Bypass and moving forward with it is part of my plan to aid economic recovery and community transformation, while addressing regional imbalance.”
