Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £605,000 resurfacing scheme for the A42 Galgorm Road in Ballymena, with work commencing Monday 18 May 2026 for 13 weeks through the summer. The programme covers 1.3 kilometres of carriageway between Sourhill Road roundabout and Grange Road, representing one of the larger single road investments in the Mid and East Antrim area this financial year.
Scheme Details and Timeline
The works will be delivered in three distinct phases to minimise disruption while maintaining safety. From 18 May to 30 June 2026, temporary traffic management arrangements will operate between Cambridge Avenue and Grange Road from 09:15 until 16:30 daily to facilitate replacement kerbing and footway works.
Full road closures follow during two subsequent periods. From 1 to 9 July, Galgorm Road will close between Sourhill Road roundabout and Dans Road for carriageway resurfacing, with traffic diverted via Sourhill Road, Dans Road or alternatively via Old Galgorm Road. A second closure from 27 July to 17 August will shut the section between Dans Road and Grange Road, diverting traffic via Old Galgorm Road.
The Department for Infrastructure states that subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Monday 17 August 2026.
Minister’s Statement
Minister Kimmins emphasised the local economic benefits of the investment:
“This is a substantial investment for the Ballymena area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
Budget Context and Road Conditions
The announcement comes amid significant financial pressures for the Department for Infrastructure. Divisional Roads Manager Alan Keys told Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in October 2025 that while the 2025-26 resource budget increased by £77.6 million to £637.1 million, and the capital budget rose by £63.4 million to £917 million, this “does not fully meet the requirements of the Department.” He noted that the £68 million opening capital budget for structural maintenance “falls significantly short of our funding requirements.”
This scheme follows previous work on the same stretch of road. In June 2018, the Department completed a £406,000 resurfacing scheme on the A42 Galgorm Road from the Galgorm roundabout to Kilane Manor—approximately 2 kilometres. The current £605,000 investment covers just 1.3 kilometres, suggesting significant inflation in road maintenance costs now reflected across the industry. Recent reports indicate that oil-based materials such as bitumen and asphaltic concrete have increased by approximately 25% due to rising oil prices, putting additional pressure on maintenance budgets.
According to the Northern Ireland Road Network and Condition Statistics 2024-25, the condition of local roads remains a concern, with only 51% of the local road network in England and Wales reported to be in good condition according to the Asphalt Industry Alliance. While Northern Ireland-specific condition data varies by council area, the Department has acknowledged historic underfunding in structural maintenance.
Traffic Management and Local Impact
The Department has programmed the work operations to minimise inconvenience, but warns that road users should expect delays and allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity. Local access for residents will be maintained throughout the scheme where practicable, though the 13-week duration through the summer months will inevitably impact local businesses and commuters.
The timing coincides with other major works announced by Minister Kimmins, including a £350,000 scheme on Stoney Road, Belfast and a £250,000 resurfacing project at the A6 Castledawson Roundabout, both commencing on 18 May 2026.
Questions Remaining
Several details remain unclear from the announcement:
- Which contractor has been awarded the £605,000 contract, and was this procured through the Department’s new integrated Small Works Framework?
- How does the cost per kilometre compare to the 2018 Galgorm Road scheme, and what specific factors account for the nearly 50% cost increase for a shorter stretch?
- What depth of resurfacing and specific materials will be used to ensure the repairs withstand heavy traffic and weather conditions for the long term?
- How will emergency services and public transport routes be accommodated during the full road closures, particularly given the 13-week duration?
- Given the Department’s stated budget constraints and the £68 million shortfall in structural maintenance funding, what criteria prioritised this specific section of Galgorm Road over other potentially degraded routes in the borough?
What Happens Next
Motorists can monitor real-time updates and traffic conditions through TrafficwatchNI, where the Department will publish any significant changes to the programme. With completion scheduled for mid-August 2026, residents and businesses along Galgorm Road face a summer of disruption, though the Department promises “significant benefits” in terms of improved road safety and journey quality once the works conclude.