Road chiefs promise to “assess” as Co Derry roadworks gridlock passes one-year mark

With schools now back there is little sign of traffic easing after 12 months of almost continual roadworks on main route

Road chiefs have promised to “further assess” traffic as gridlock continues on a main Co Derry road more than a year after roadworks started.

Work has been ongoing on the main A2 Clooney Road, which connects Derry city to Limavady, on a stretch between the villages of Ballykelly and Greysteel for more than a year on an almost continual basis.

And the Department of Infrastructure has now said the roadworks could stretch on into next year, with lane closures in place during working hours.

READ MORE: Traffic jam reprieve in Co Derry for the Open as year-long roadworks paused for golf tournamentREAD MORE: Ballykelly road works plans spark fresh calls for bypass

Locals have complained that patients are struggling to reach appointments, and families with loved ones in palliative care are being forced to endure hour-long journeys that would ordinarily only take around 20 minutes.

And with schools now back, there seems to be little sign of the gridlock easing.

The work is ongoing to put what’s known as an “active travel scheme” in place, which involves the removal of what was once a hard shoulder in many places to create a new cycle path running alongside the busy road.

The scheme was formally announced around a year ago by John O’Dowd, who was the Infrastructure Minister at the time.

He said back in September last year, weeks after roadworks had already begun in the Walworth area just outside Ballykelly village, that it would provide “an attractive, high quality active travel route” suitable for pedestrians and cyclists.

And amid widespread complaints about the length of time the roadworks are taking, and the disruption they are causing, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has now promised to “assess” the “temporary” traffic management.

A DfI spokesperson told Belfast Live: “Given the concerns raised we will further assess the temporary traffic management arrangements in place and will continue to closely monitor traffic in the area.”

The statement continued: “Work is continuing on the £2.6 million active travel scheme on the A2 Clooney Road with lane closures in place from 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. This significant investment in active travel infrastructure is part of the Department’s ongoing commitment to increasing opportunities for walking, wheeling and cycling.

“We fully appreciate that any delays while these essential works are carried out is frustrating for road users and we ask the travelling public to allow extra time for their journey. The work is being carried out in shorter sections to help alleviate any disruption and we have previously changed from automated traffic lights to manually operated lights to help with traffic progression.”

The spokesperson added: “We would also urge all drivers to slow down in the vicinity of the works and be mindful of the safety of staff carrying out this important work on behalf of the community. We apologise for any inconvenience caused during the works and thank the public for their patience.”

SDLP MLA Cara Hunter has been amongst those to raise concerns.

“Over recent weeks, my office has been inundated with calls and messages from residents and commuters who are rightly frustrated by the severe disruption caused by the ongoing roadworks,” she said.

“Investment in active travel schemes and resurfacing are extremely important, and should be delivered in a way that reflects the need to minimise delays, gridlock, and risks to road safety for the local community.

“I have heard deeply troubling reports: cancer patients struggling to reach vital appointments at the North West Cancer Centre, and families with loved ones in palliative care facing journeys of nearly an hour for trips that should take 20 to 30 minutes. These are not minor inconveniences; the roadworks are having a significant impact on people’s everyday lives.”

She added: “I have raised this matter directly with the Minister for Infrastructure and will continue to demand urgent clarity.

“The people of Ballykelly and Greysteel deserve better than broken promises and endless delays. They deserve safe, reliable roads and a clear commitment to delivering the long-overdue Ballykelly bypass.”

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