WORK on the long-awaited A24 Ballynahinch bypass scheme is set to begin in 2028/29.
Previously paused in 2023 over a lack of funding, the Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the scheme was now moving to business case and procurement stage.
With Ballynahinch often becoming a bottleneck of traffic for commuters between Belfast and Newcastle, the proposed scheme would provide a single carriageway bypass of around 3.1km around the eastern side of the Co Down town.
The route would run from a new roundabout at the junction of the A24 Belfast Road and the A21 Saintfield Road to a new roundabout at the existing junction of the B2 Downpatrick Road and the A24 Drumaness Road.
A compact grade junction would also connect the B7 Crossgar Road with the proposed bypass.
A shared footway/cycleway between the terminal roundabouts would also be included, while a ‘Park & Share’ facility would be constructed on the northern side of the proposed Saintfield Road Roundabout.
📹 The important next steps for the Ballynahinch Bypass scheme were announced by Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins at a special event in the County Down town today.
— Department for Infrastructure (@deptinfra) March 12, 2025
Hear more from Minister Kimmins about the scheme and how it will be "transformational for the area" 👇… pic.twitter.com/v1iM2vlmY0
“I am delighted to announce this positive step forward for the long-awaited A24 Ballynahinch Bypass scheme,” Ms Kimmins said.
“I know that for the local community, businesses and commuters through the area this will be a welcome development.
“This important project will help to significantly alleviate traffic congestion in the centre of Ballynahinch, improving journey time reliability, road safety and air quality on the busy A24 Belfast to Newcastle Road.”
As part of my commitment to increase opportunities for active and sustainable travel I am also pleased that the scheme will include the provision of a new footway/cycleway and a park and share facility.
“This will all serve to enhance the town centre environment and provide a more positive experience for locals and visitors alike.”
It is expected the latest step will take around two years, with a procurement start planned in 2027/28 and works taking two years beginning in 2028/29.
Alliance Strangford MLA, Nick Mathison, welcomed the announcement but said “it is disappointing that this vital project has been side-lined for so long due to stop-start government.”
“The bypass is vital not just for residents and businesses in Ballynahinch but for the wider South and East Down area. It will significantly reduce traffic congestion, bringing both economic and environmental benefits to the region.”
The DUP’s Strangford MLA Harry Harvey said traffic congestion had been a heavy burden on Ballynahinch’s businesses and residents for too long.
“The potential for work to begin in 2028/9 is welcome news, but it is vital that this timetable is maintained,” he said.
“Ballynahinch and the wider area cannot afford any further delays. I will continue to press for progress and ensure this long-awaited bypass becomes a reality.”