A bridge too far for Coleraine

East Londonderry MLA, Gregory Campbell was given the government’s position when he asked Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen when the costings for a third bridge linking Union Street with Castlerock Road in Coleraine would be available.

Minister McIlveen replied: “A third bridge across the River Bann within Coleraine, linking Union Street to Castlerock Road was included in the Coleraine Town Centre Masterplan 2012, which was prepared by the Department for Social Development and Coleraine Borough Council.

“ The Masterplan considered this bridge would be required at some stage in the future to assist internal traffic circulation within Coleraine Town, should significant development proposals identified within the Masterplan proceed.

“As the significant development proposals identified have not proceeded no plans have been drawn up and costed for a third bridge nor has any funding been sought.”

Concerns about gridlock on the Castlerock Road with increased attendances at schools in the area had led some public representatives to call for a radical solution, such as another bridge.

However Minister McIlveen added: “TransportNI is seeking to encourage as much strategic through traffic as possible to use the ring road around Coleraine rather than going through the town centre.”

In the past, Independent MLA Councillor Sugden suggested that a third bridge would cost in the region of £20 million.

The town’s first bridge was built in the 1800s with Sandelford Bridge opening in 1975. According to a parliamentary written answer, 13,920 vehicles used Sandelford Bridge eastbound per day in 2007, suggesting daily traffic of somewhere between 26,000 and 30,000 vehicles.

Independent MLA, Claire Sugden, held a public meeting to discuss traffic issues on the Castlerock Road and surrounding area in connection with the new schooling arrangements on the west of the Bann at Coleraine Grammar School last March.

Concerns had been raised by about the increased numbers attending schools in the area. Assembly officials suggested traffic management solutions rather than a third bridge.