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The roads minister said she understood the frustration of motorists and the local community with ongoing delays while the works proceeds. “The scheme started on January 4, 2025 and is currently programmed to run for 52 weeks. By their nature, roadworks can be disruptive, and my officials have been continually working closely with the contractor to minimise disruption to road users, with the aim of striking a balance between efficiently progressing works and minimising disruption for the travelling public. "In response to concerns raised by motorists and the local community, temporary traffic management measures have been modified over the duration of the scheme. "Lane closures are put in place only when required, works areas are kept as short as possible and traffic control has been changed from automated traffic signals to manually operated ones to aid traffic progression further. Moreover, on a number of occasions, works were suspended to accommodate major events in the area,” she said. At Stormont this week SDLP MLA Cara Hunter asked the minister if she had had any discussions in relation to traffic issues in Ballykelly. “Understandably, constituents are angry at the continued delays on that road. We know with roadworks that delays sometimes cannot be helped, but people feel that they are not being listened to. "Will the Minister commit some time in the next month to come to Ballykelly, meet me and other elected reps and speak with constituents about the ongoing delays? People are missing health appointments, school and so much more,” she stated. Ms. Kimmins said she has been in Ballykelly and met elected representatives in recent months. "I do not underestimate people's frustrations. We have heard them right across the North when there are major roadworks. We are very cognisant of the impact that roadworks have, and officials have worked very closely with the contractor to ensure that any works that are happening are absolutely necessary and that we keep disruption to an absolute minimum,” said the roads minister.
