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

Ballymena Park & Ride facility

Motorists and public transport passengers in Ballymena are being warned to expect disruption throughout the summer as major works linked to the expansion of the town’s Park & Ride facility get underway.

Translink has confirmed that essential road and junction improvements at Galgorm Road and Waveney Road will begin on Monday 1 June and continue until the end of August 2026 as part of the Ballymena Park & Ride expansion project.

While roads will remain open during the works, off-peak lane restrictions and night-time construction activity are expected to cause delays, particularly during busy travel periods around the station area.

The project represents a significant infrastructure investment for Ballymena and is aimed at increasing parking capacity, improving access to bus and rail services, and encouraging more people to switch from car travel to public transport.

Summer disruption expected around station area

The works will directly affect traffic movement around one of Ballymena’s busiest transport corridors over the summer months, with commuters, school transport users, local businesses and station passengers all likely to notice increased congestion at peak times.

Translink said station access and parking will remain operational throughout the construction period, but vehicle access for passenger drop-offs and pick-ups at the front of the station will be reduced while work is ongoing.

The organisation is advising people travelling through the area to allow additional time for journeys and to consider alternative routes where possible.

Road users and passengers are being advised to:

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

• Check travel updates and timetables at www.translink.co.uk or through the Translink Journey Planner app

• Consider alternative travel routes where possible

• Follow all temporary traffic management measures and signage in place during the works

Further pressure on traffic is also expected as the Department for Infrastructure carries out separate works in the wider Ballymena area during the same period.

Translink said coordination is taking place between agencies in an effort to minimise overall disruption.

Hundreds of new parking spaces planned

Once completed, the Ballymena Park & Ride expansion will deliver 387 additional parking spaces alongside upgraded pedestrian access, improved cycling facilities, and enhanced safety and security measures.

The wider aim of the scheme is to increase public transport use by making the station more accessible and convenient for commuters travelling across Ballymena and the wider region.

Translink says the investment is intended to support cleaner and more sustainable travel by encouraging a shift away from single-occupancy car journeys.

Commenting on the project, Translink Project Manager for Ballymena Park & Ride, Terence Quinn, said the works were a major step towards improving transport connectivity 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.”

Public information sessions planned at station

Members of the public will have an opportunity to speak directly with the project team at Ballymena Bus and Rail Station on Wednesday 27 May and Thursday 28 May 2026 between 6am and 10.30am.

Further information on the Ballymena Park & Ride project is available at:

Further info

The works mark one of the most significant transport-related investments currently underway in Ballymena and are expected to reshape access to the station area for years to come — though not without several months of disruption first for drivers and daily commuters navigating one of the town’s busiest routes.