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A24 Ballynahinch Bypass

Objective

To improve the A24 Belfast to Newcastle Trunk road by providing a bypass around Ballynahinch.

The Proposal

The draft Ards - Down Area Plan 2015 Includes a proposal for a single carriageway by-pass, approximately 4 km long, extending around the eastern side of Ballynahinch. The current proposal includes a length of wide single carriageway to provide a guaranteed northbound overtaking opportunity and a Park and Ride or Park and Share at the northern end of the scheme.

Description

The Ballynahinch By-pass scheme is included in the Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan 2015, published in March 2005, where it is listed in the Forward Planning Schedule which contains schemes expected to be implemented within the next 5 to 10 years. Roads Service has appointed consultants to assist with the development and progression of the scheme and the initial work required to confirm the feasibility of the scheme has been completed. Further work is currently underway to develop the design in preparation for progressing it through the necessary statutory procedures. Detailed traffic surveys have been carried out in and around the town. Initial consultations and the work required to undertake a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, including the collection of background information, is ongoing. The Ballynahinch By-pass proposal attracted a number of objections when the Draft Ards/Down Area Plan 2015 was published for public comment. The public inquiry into the draft plan has been completed and the outcome is awaited. Nevertheless, Roads Service plan to bring the proposal for the Ballynahinch By-pass scheme to preliminary public consultation as soon as practicably possible once the outcome of the Public Inquiry into the Ards Down Area Plan 2015, as far as it relates to the Ballynahinch Bypass, is known. Meanwhile, work considered essential to inform subsequent scheme development and progress it through the statutory procedures is proceeding. For example a preliminary ground investigation survey for the scheme is nearing completion.

Current Position

Work on this scheme is progressing well.  Consultations and the collection of background information as part of the environmental impact assessment is ongoing and detailed traffic surveys have been carried out.  Work will continue in the production of information required to progress toward the publication of the Statutory Orders for the bypass.  It is envisaged that the detail of the proposed scheme will be ready for public display during 2008.

Proposed Bypass (2MB)

Key Dates

A24 Ballynahinch Bypass Scheme Brochure

Public Display of Proposed Scheme - As soon as practicably possible.