Ballyclare’s new £4m relief road has been officially named Jubilee Road, in recognition of Her late Majesty the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Ald Stephen Ross and Ballyclare DEA elected members gathered on Wednesday, October 12 to unveil the new street signs on the road, which runs for 800 metres from the Templepatrick Road to the Doagh Road.

The first phase of the long-awaited Western Relief Road – constructed by Lotus Developments - was officially opened in December 2021 and accesses three new developments, Ollar Valley, Rushfield and Hansons Hall.

Ald Ross said: “The Ballyclare Western Relief Road – now officially the Jubilee Road - has been proposed since the 1980s, so I am pleased to see it finally get to this stage.

Ald Stephen Ross pictured cutting the ribbon at Jubilee Road, Ballyclare with Cllr Vera McWilliam, Cllr Jeannie Archibald-Brown, Cllr Michael Stewart, Ald Mandy Girvan and Cllr Norrie Ramsay.

“Ballyclare has a fast growing population, and this new route will bring major benefits to residents by improving journey times and taking some pressure off the traffic travelling through the town centre.”

In May this year, Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd issued a Notice of Opinion to approve plans for 699 new homes to the north-east of the town.

At the time, Mr O’Dowd said: “Approval has already been granted for the Northern and Southern sections of the Relief Road. This latest approval can act as a catalyst to pave the way for the completion of the Ballyclare Relief Road.”

Approval for 700 dwellings and Ballyclare Relief Road northern phase completion

Ald Ross added: “The creation of the Jubilee Road is vital to allow this major expansion of the town to progress. It will transform Ballyclare for the better and act as a catalyst for further economic growth in the town.”

£4m Ballyclare relief road pays tribute to Queen Elizabeth II