Department ‘to approve’ next step in bypass plans

Department ‘to approve’ next step in bypass plans

17 July 2019

PROGRESS on Ballynahinch’s proposed multi-million pound bypass could take a hugely significant step forward before the end of the year.

The Department of Finance is expected to approve the eagerly-awaited project’s economic appraisal by December which is viewed as a critical step in the process ahead of the required capital funding being released.

And while the permanent secretary at the Department of Infrastructure — which will oversee the construction of the bypass — has warned that the necessary funding has not yet been made available, progress on the £35m scheme is being welcomed.

Roads officials say that development work on the near two-mile scheme to link the Newcastle and Saintfield roads is progressing, with work already completed on a major archaeological investigation along parts of the route.

The Department of Infrastructure says the preparation of the scheme’s economic appraisal report is continuing with Department of Finance approval for the document due to be sought before the end of the year.

Officials have explained that in order to advance the bypass scheme’s state of readiness, preparatory work on contract documents is ongoing to “minimise the time required to initiate a procurement competition, should funding become available for construction”.

The officials have also stressed that progression of the bypass to the procurement and construction stages depends on clearing so-called statutory procedures and available funding.

The multi-million pound bypass is designed to alleviate chronic town centre congestion in Ballynahinch and along the main approach roads to the town.

Major new roundabouts are proposed at the Belfast Road junction with the Saintfield Road and at the Newcastle Road junction with the Downpatrick Road, with a new bridge constructed over the Moss Road. 

It is also proposed that a section of the bypass will pass under part of the Crossgar Road with a 90 metre long bridge constructed to take traffic over Ballynahinch River.

Overtaking lanes stretching almost 900 metres are proposed at either end of the bypass where the major new roundabouts are to be constructed, with the scheme also including a shared footpath and cycle lane.

The bypass, which would be the single biggest road scheme ever constructed in the district — is expected to take in excess of 18 months to build, with roads officials insisting it will greatly benefit both strategic and local road users by reducing journey times and improving road safety. 

They are also confident the scheme’s economic assessment demonstrates the bypass would provide a good economic return.

Strangford MLA Peter Weir has welcomed progress on the proposed multi-million pound bypass project, calling for the funding to pave the way for its delivery to be made available.

He said speaking to residents in Ballynahinch, he is often told of the need for the proposed bypass to ease “terrible traffic congestion at junctions in the town centre”.

The Assemblyman added: “I welcome continued progress, albeit slow, to make this scheme shovel ready and will continue to lobby for funding for this important infrastructure project for the town.”

Rowallane councillor, Billy Walker, is also keen to see progress to deliver the bypass which he believes can play a major role in helping kick-start Ballynahinch town centre’s economic regeneration.

“We need the bypass to rid the town centre of increasing gridlock and on the main approach roads. Ballynahinch is used as a gateway by visitors to Newcastle and the wider Mournes area in particular and we need to see work on the bypass starting as soon as possible,” he said.

Cllr Walker argued that the current congestion is hampering new retail and commercial investment in Ballynahinch and believes the provision of the new bypass represents a “win win for everyone”.