Robinson calls for major A26 upgrade to address Coleraine congestion
East Londonderry MLA Alan Robinson has called for a significant upgrade of the A26 approach to Coleraine, warning that congestion and gaps in road capacity are affecting residents, businesses and visitors across the north coast.
Speaking in the Assembly, Mr Robinson highlighted the need for improvements between the Newbridge Road area and the Ballycastle Road roundabout, describing the A26 as a route of strategic importance for the wider Causeway Coast and Glens area.
“The A26 is a vital artery for the north coast, connecting communities with employment, education, healthcare and other essential services,” he said.
“It is also part of a much wider transport corridor linking the north-west with Ballymena, Antrim and Belfast.
“Despite that importance, there remains an obvious gap in the quality and capacity of the road as motorists approach and leave Coleraine.
“Anyone who regularly travels between the Newbridge Road area and the Ballycastle Road roundabout will know the queues and pressures experienced at peak times.”
Mr Robinson said those pressures become even more pronounced during the summer months, when the borough welcomes in a significant increase in visitors.
“A route serving some of Northern Ireland’s biggest tourism attractions needs infrastructure capable of supporting that demand,” he added.
Mr Robinson pointed to the benefits of previous investment further south on the A26, including the £55 million Frosses Road dualling scheme, which opened in 2017 and provided eight kilometres of dual carriageway between Glarryford and the A44 Drones Road junction.
He noted that the scheme has “demonstrated the benefits that investment” can deliver.
“However, the Department for Infrastructure cannot continue to improve individual sections while leaving other important stretches without the capacity that modern Northern Ireland requires.
“Coleraine is a major economic and educational centre, home to Ulster University, Causeway Hospital and a significant number of businesses and services.
“The A26 also serves people travelling from Portrush, Portstewart and surrounding rural communities.
“For many households in our more isolated communities, there is no realistic alternative to the private car.
“A safe, reliable road network is therefore essential, both for everyday journeys and for the future growth of our towns and businesses.
“The Department must recognise the importance of this route and address the urgent need for a significant upgrade of the A26 approach to Coleraine.”
Mr Robinson also reiterated calls for a climbing lane on the A37 Coleraine mountain road and a bypass for Ballykelly, highlighting the wider need for investment in roads serving the north coast and north-west.