Mr Patsy McGlone (Mid Ulster): To ask the Minister for Infrastructure to detail (i) the timeline for repairs to the Bann Bridge, Kilrea; and (ii) any measures her Department is taking to alleviate the volume of traffic being diverted via the Portglenone Bridge. [Priority Written]
Minister for Infrastructure: My Department’s Contractor commenced works on site at Kilrea Bridge on the 10 November. The permanent solution requires specialist drilling equipment to install ‘tie-bars’ between the two approach walls beneath the existing road surface. This is a complex and time consuming process with limited scope for acceleration and will take 14 weeks to complete the work. However, officials are taking forward a temporary solution to stabilise the wall whilst the main repairs are being carried out which will allow the road to reopen to cars and light vehicles in early December, subject to suitable weather conditions.
I acknowledge the road closure and subsequent diversion has led to an increase in traffic in Portglenone, and assure you my officials are actively monitoring the situation. My Department has installed additional signage in areas such as Ballymoney, Garvagh, and Ballymena to provide motorists with early notice of the closure, advise of potential delays, and encourage the use of alternative routes where possible. Officials have also engaged with the PSNI to explore measures aimed at reducing congestion within Portglenone.
I fully appreciate the impact of the ongoing closure and the understandable frustration of the local community, including businesses in the area and thank them for their patience while we work to deliver a safe and effective solution.
We will keep the local communities and elected representatives up to date on the timeline throughout the works. My Department will continue to provide updates on the repair works on our website at: Kilrea Bridge, B64 Bann Road, Kilrea – Closure
ENDS
Your MLA 