East Derry MLA highlights 'huge impact on life' Ballykelly and Greysteel traffic jams are causing

She said that traffic problems between Ballykelly and Greysteel, as well as delays in Kilrea, were having ‘a huge impact on life’.

"What matters to people is whether they can get to work on time, get their kids picked up, get to a hospital appointment, or simply go to the chemist without it turning into an ordeal. Right now, for thousands of people, that is not happening.

“For over two years now, these roadworks have dragged on. Two years of unpredictable delays. Two years of rolling completion dates. Two years of people leaving earlier and earlier ‘just in case’, only to still end up late.

”People are now taking risks. I’ve had reports of drivers using hard shoulders, running red lights, overtaking stationary traffic, and even confrontations breaking out. HGVs are being forced down narrow country roads that were never meant for them. This isn’t just frustrating, it’s dangerous."

An aerial photograph taken on January 23 shows the tailbacks facing motorists between Ballykelly and Greysteel during lunchtime.

The MLA brought an adjournment debate to the NI Assembly on Tuesday, January 27.

MLA Hunter added: “I’m asking the Infrastructure Minister to do three very simple things.

"Urgently review how this project is being managed, including working hours and traffic controls. If resurfacing can be done off-peak elsewhere, why not here? Give people clear, honest timelines, not vague updates, and not moving goalposts.

“Finally, come and visit the areas, stand on that road at peak time and talk to parents, commuters and business owners.”