Ballymena drivers warned of delays as major Park & Ride works begin

Ballymena Rail and Bus Centre

Motorists and public transport passengers in Ballymena are being warned to expect disruption for much of the summer as major roadworks linked to the expansion of the town’s Park & Ride facility get underway from Monday, 1 June.

The works, centred around the busy Galgorm Road and Waveney Road junction near Ballymena Train Station, are expected to continue until the end of August 2026 as part of a significant upgrade project aimed at dramatically increasing parking capacity and improving access to bus and rail services.

While roads will remain open throughout the project, Translink has confirmed that off-peak lane restrictions and night-time working will be required, with delays likely — particularly during peak commuting periods.

For many local commuters, school transport users, town centre workers and rail passengers, the timing means months of potentially heavier congestion on one of Ballymena’s busiest traffic corridors during the summer and into the new school term.

Hundreds of new parking spaces planned

The wider Ballymena Park & Ride expansion will deliver 387 additional parking spaces alongside upgraded pedestrian routes, improved cycling facilities and enhanced safety and security measures.

Translink says the investment is designed to make it easier for people to travel sustainably across Northern Ireland while encouraging more people to use public transport instead of relying on single-occupancy car journeys.

The upgraded facility is also intended to improve access to bus and rail connections for passengers travelling between Ballymena, Belfast and other parts of Northern Ireland.

However, with Department for Infrastructure Roads works also planned in the surrounding area during the same period, there are concerns that traffic pressures could intensify locally over the coming months despite efforts to coordinate the projects.

Passengers urged to plan ahead

Translink is advising road users and passengers to allow additional travel time and prepare for changing traffic arrangements throughout the works period.

Passengers and motorists are being encouraged to:

• Plan journeys in advance and allow extra travel time, especially during peak periods

• Check travel updates via www.translink.co.uk or the Translink Journey Planner app

• Consider alternative travel routes where possible

• Follow all temporary traffic management measures and road signage

Although station access and parking will remain operational during the works, Translink has warned there will be reduced vehicle access for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups at the front of the station.

That could create additional pressure during busy commuter periods, particularly for parents, taxi drivers and those assisting passengers with mobility needs.

Translink says disruption is necessary for long-term improvements

Terence Quinn, Translink Project Manager for the Ballymena Park & Ride scheme, said the works are an important step towards improving public transport infrastructure in the area.

He said:

“These essential works are a key step in delivering the expanded Ballymena Park & Ride, making it easier for people to use bus and rail services, encouraging a modal shift away from single-occupancy car journeys, and supporting more sustainable travel choices.

“It will also improve connectivity, reduce congestion, and provide a safer, more accessible experience for customers travelling across Ballymena and the wider region.

“We recognise that there will be some disruption while these works are carried out, and we are asking people to allow additional time for their journeys. We would like to thank the local community, businesses, passengers and road users for their continued patience and support as we complete these important works.”

The scheme forms part of wider efforts to increase public transport use and improve infrastructure connectivity across Northern Ireland as pressure grows on town centre traffic networks and commuter parking capacity.

Further information on the Ballymena Park & Ride project is available at: www.translink.co.uk/infrastructure-and-projects/current-projects/ballymena-park-and-ride