MLA concern for Ballykelly Bypass as no decision on whether scheme will be partof Minister's transport plans
An MLA has expressed concern over the future of the A2 Ballykelly Bypass after the Infrastructure Minister said no decision has been made on whether the scheme will be included in the Department's future transport plans.
East Londonderry independent MLA, Claire 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.”
Infrastructure Minister Kimmins, in response to querstions from MLA Sugden, said: "Major Road schemes are an important part of the work that is delivered by my Department as we seek to reduce journey times, increase reliability and improve road safety.
“An estimate for the bypass was compiled in 2008, and put the scheme cost in the range of £35m-£40m. However, this figure would need to be reviewed to take account of the high levels of inflation and cost increases experienced by the construction sector in recent years.
"A preferred route for Ballykelly Bypass was announced in 2010 and since then no further development work has been undertaken on the project. If the A2 Ballykelly scheme is identified within the Transport Plan, this route would then be reassessed as part of the plan for scheme delivery."
MLA Sugden saud: “The Department has confirmed that the preferred route, identified 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.
“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.
“I recognise that the Department is developing a new Transport Strategy, but I would be concerned if this simply became another opportunity to defer a decision.
"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. I will be seeking further clarity on how the scheme will be assessed and when a decision can be expected,” added MLA Sugden.