Work begins on new pedestrian and cycle bridge
Thursday, 9 February 2012
Local Councillors with Transport Minister Danny Kennedy, at Ballymoney Train Station last week, to announce a new investment program.
WORK is finally underway on the long-awaited new foot and cycle bridge at Ballymoney train station.
The £1.3m investment was launched last week at a sod-cutting ceremony at the station attended by Transport Minister Danny Kennedy, Ballymoney Mayor Ian Stevenson and guests from Translink and Sustrans.
The bridge marks a joint enterprise between DRD, Sustrans, Translink and Ballymoney Council.
The project was financed by £945,000 funding from the Transport Minister plus Sustrans Big Lottery contribution of £450,000.
Last summer plans for the bridge were stalled due to the rising price of steel in China - which meant it couldn't be completed within budget.
However, the contract was re-advertised for tender in the hope of finding a cheaper price - and last week's announcement give the green light for work to begin.
It is anticipated the bridge will be completed this summer and will provide a fully accessible, traffic-free bridge that will directly link the Castlecroft in the town centre and the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre - making use of the Riverside Park green corridor.
New park and ride facilities will also create an additional 60 car parking spaces.
Speaking at the launch of the project, Transport Minister Danny Kennedy said: "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."
Translink Chairman John Trethowan added: "This project provides both local people and visitors to Ballymoney with safe and convenient access links making sustainable transport options more integrated and accessible. These exciting developments will also support growing demand for rail services as we continue to roll out 20 new trains across the network.
Steven Patterson, Director of Sustrans Northern Ireland said the new bridge will encourage people to "get active."
“We're delighted that the Minister is backing this exciting project, and hope that he'll be inspired to champion more walking and cycling for communities across Northern Ireland," he said.
Ballymoney Mayor and project Steering Group chairperson, Councillor Ian Stevenson said: "This exciting initiative began just over five years ago in October 2006 and today's event represents the culmination of much hard work and determination to see this project come to fruition."
UUP MLA Robin Mr Swann said: "I congratulate Translink on this innovative project which will greatly enhance the travelling facilities for everyone at the Ballymoney station.
“This is an excellent partnership project between Ballymoney Borough Council, DRD, Sustrans and Translink. Hopefully it will also be used to encourage more tourists to come to Ballymoney and to North Antrim in general."
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