Ballykelly Bypass future uncertain as Minister confirms no commitment to scheme
A preferred route for the bypass was first outlined in 2010 for the village of Ballykelly, however plans have been deferred over the 16 years.
East Londonderry MLA Claire Sugden has expressed concern over the future of the A2 Ballykelly Bypass after Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins confirmed that no decision has been made on whether the scheme will be included in the Department's future transport plans.
Ms Sugden said: “What concerns me most about the Minister's response is that we are no closer to knowing whether the Ballykelly Bypass will actually happen.”
The Department has confirmed that the preferred route, which was identified 16 years ago in 2010, will only be reassessed if the scheme is included in its future transport plans.
“That leaves a project which has already been discussed for decades facing even more uncertainty,” she said.
“The Minister has also confirmed that the estimated cost of £35–40 million dates back to 2008 and will need to be reviewed, while no specific traffic surveys have been undertaken in Ballykelly in recent years.
“These are significant gaps in the information needed to make an informed decision about the future of the scheme.”
The Stage 1 Scheme Assessment Report published in 2008 suggested baseline Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) flows of 14,838 vehicles west of Ballykelly and 19,109 vehicles east of the village.
The most recent figures for west of Ballykelly are: 15,050 (2024), 17,200 (2023) and 16,340 (2022).
Ms Sugden noted that the Department is developing a new Transport Strategy which will date to 2035, but said she would be “concerned” if it became “another opportunity to defer a decision.”
Following the publication, a draft Regional Strategic Transport Network Plan (RSTP) will be prepared for public consultation.
“Ballykelly is an important route for people travelling across the North West, and residents deserve to know whether this long-awaited bypass remains a realistic prospect.”
Ms Sugden said she will continue to seek further clarity on how the scheme will assessed, and when a decision could be expected.