Ballymena is set to benefit from a £4.6 million roads investment, outlined by Transport Minister Conor Murphy yesterday.

Minister Murphy, speaking at a meeting with Ballymena Council, discussed work already underway in the borough and highlighted key projects in the pipeline, for this year.

The Minister said: "The C47 Tullygarley Road is currently being widened and realigned between Rosses roundabout and Dan's Road at a total cost of £1.6 million. The scheme includes the widening and strengthening of Tullygarley Bridge and improvements to footway and cycle provision along with bus stop lay-bys."

"Roads Service is continuing with the upgrade of the multi-storey car park in Ballymena and plans to spend over £200,000 in the current year carrying out minor structural repairs, applying specialist floor finishes and painting the inside of the building.

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"It is planned to increase the size of the Park and Share car park site at Ballee in Ballymena. Currently there are 40 spaces in this car park and it is regularly full to capacity. The extension will almost double the number of spaces available for commuters and will cost some £50,000."



"Significant work will be carried out on a Safe Route to School Project at Gracehill. This project, supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will provide improved links from Galgorm to Gracehill by introducing a shared use footway/cycleway and toucan crossings. Street lighting is also being upgraded. It is expected the overall scheme will cost in excess of £150,000."

Mr Murphy said £3.4 million would be spent on resurfacing work and strengthening key transport routes.

These will include the A26 Ballee Road Roundabout, with the removal and replacement of the existing carriageway surface on one of the most heavily trafficked sections of the local road network.

Work on A26 Linenhall Street, with the resurfacing of carriageway and footways, a scheme which will compliment the Ballymena Town Hall redevelopment; and the 

A36 Ballymena to Larne main trunk road, with 1.4 km of resurfacing at Moorfields.

(PR/JM)