The Transport Minister has launched a £1.3million investment project in Ballymoney that will benefit cyclists, pedestrians and rail users.

The project will see the construction of a new, fully accessible, traffic-free bridge at Ballymoney Train Station that will provide a new safe and direct link between the north and south of the town, avoiding busy roads.

It will also provide improved access to station platforms and provide an additional 35 park and ride spaces for the increasing number of people travelling by rail.

Mr Danny Kennedy said: "This sees the result of successful partnership working between the Department for Regional Development, Translink, Ballymoney Borough Council and national charity Sustrans. That determined partnership has delivered investment to Ballymoney and the public transport infrastructure.

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"Along with DRD funding of £940,000 the scheme was submitted under a Sustrans bid for Big Lottery funding of £425,000. I commend the work and additional financial contribution of all the partners involved in the successful enterprise."

The new footbridge will have ramped access which provides disabled access to the station platforms and also provides an alternative means for pedestrians and cyclists to cross the railway line as they travel between Riverside Park and the town along the new footpath and cycle path.

The scheme is part of a UK-wide project from charity Sustrans, which is delivering new routes for everyday walking and cycling journeys in communities across the UK.

The work on the scheme is due for completion by August this year.

(CD/GK)