DfI confirms progress on Kilrea Bridge repairs, confirming reopening timeline after months of disruption

Kilrea Bridge

Residents and businesses in north Antrim have been given fresh reassurance that progress is being made on repairs to the Kilrea Bridge, with confirmation that the route is expected to reopen by mid-February.

Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) MLA for North Antrim Jon Burrows said the update followed correspondence from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI), welcoming the progress after a prolonged period of disruption for local communities.

“Further to this correspondence from Depertment for Infrastructure (DfI), the bridge will be re-opening mid-February,” he said.

“I’d like to thank members of the public who have shown an abundance of patience with the temporary restrictions.”

The bridge closure and subsequent traffic management measures have had a significant impact on daily travel patterns, particularly for commuters, local traders and residents reliant on the route.

Temporary restrictions have been in place to allow essential repair works to proceed safely while maintaining limited access.

A DfI spokesperson confirmed that permanent repair works remain on track, while stressing that safety continues to be the priority.

“I am pleased to confirm that the permanent repair works are continuing to progress as planned, and we remain optimistic that the road can be fully reopened to all vehicles by mid-February 2026,” the spokesperson said.

The department noted that compliance with temporary vehicle restrictions has largely been positive, despite some early challenges.

“Apart from a small number of reported breaches in the initial days of the reopening. the measures implemented to restrict access to cars and light vehicles up to 3 tonnes have proven successful.”

Enforcement agencies remain actively involved in monitoring the situation to ensure public safety and compliance.

“The PSNI and DVA continue to monitor the situation and have carried out spot checks to identify vehicles exceeding the permitted weight. Enforcement action will be taken against anyone found to be contravening these restrictions.”

In addition to bridge-related measures, traffic management changes remain in place within Portglenone town centre to ease congestion during peak hours.

“A small number of on-street parking spaces remain coned off within Portglenone town centre between 6:00am and 6:00pm, Monday to Friday to help manage traffic congestion. Initial feedback has been positive, and it is anticipated these measures will remain in place until the road is fully reopened to all vehicles.”

DfI has committed to keeping the public informed as works continue.

“We will continue to provide regular updates and maintain the dedicated web page to keep the public informed of progress and key milestones: Kilrea Bridge, B64 Bann Road, Kilrea – Closure | Department for Infrastructure.

“Thank you for your continued patience and understanding as we work to deliver these essential safety improvements.”