Ballynahinch £50m bypass edges closer

Ballynahinch £50m bypass edges closer

12 March 2025

A START date for work on Ballynahinch’s £50m bypass could be edging closer.

Stormont Roads Minister Liz Kimmins will be in the town this afternoon and it’s understood  she will confirm the way forward for the near two-mile scheme linking the Belfast and Newcastle roads.

The scheme is designed to alleviate chronic town centre congestion and along the main approach roads to the town and also help kick-start Ballynahinch’s economic fortunes.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) says the work it carries out is key to unlocking economic potential, address regional imbalance and make tangible differences which benefit communities.

The Department has confirmed to those invited to the town’s Market House for the ministerial announcement that Ms Kimmins will provide an update on major projects in the area, including the bypass.

The proposed multi-million pound scheme features major new roundabouts 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.

The new road 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 of the by-pass where the major new roundabouts are to be constructed, with the scheme also including a shared footpath and cycle lane.

Local roads officials have been insisting for some time that they were keen to progress what is the biggest ever road scheme proposed for Down District.

Roads officials have consistently argued that the bypass will significantly benefit both strategic and local road users by reducing journey times and improving road safety.

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

The multi-million pound scheme was paused in August 2023 and there were fears that with the Department for Infrastructure reviewing its transport policies given its challenging budgetary position and commitments under new climate change legislation, that the bypass faced a significant delay.

Local politicians have been invited to attend Ballynahinch Market House this afternoon when the DfI Minister will make her announcement and are hoping for positive news about a scheme which has the potential to transform its economic fortunes and provide a major new gateway to the Mournes and wider South Down area.

Ballynahinch businessman and former Newry, Mourne and Down Council chairman Mark Murnin says he hopes the ministerial announcement will be positive.

“I really hope that today will not be another false dawn as Ballynahinch needs this bypass,” he said.

“The town centre is choked with traffic on a daily basis and the bypass is needed more than ever. People want to see it delivered.”

Mr Murnin said the traffic congestion impacted on everyone’s daily life with increasing tailbacks having a detrimental impact.”

He added: “I really hope today’s announcement is positive for Ballynahinch, its residents, the business community and wider community.”