Copyright northernirelandworld
Construction work on the long-awaited £6.6m Moira park and ride began in September and the 12-week closure of Station Road is due to end this month. Almost 580 car parking spaces will eventually be provided for people travelling from Moira train station. UUP councillor, Alan Martin said: ”This is a good news story for Moira, which has taken a long time to get to construction. “The village at the moment is chock-a-block with traffic because the road structure through Moira is not good enough. It needs a bypass. “So far there has not been much of a knock-on effect on traffic direct into the village, but other people trying to get in and out from the train station by Station Road may have been affected, but the construction work needs to be done and that has to be expected. “For too long, congestion in and around Moira has been a daily frustration for both commuters and residents. “The park and ride is a valuable investment that has the potential to ease that pressure and make public transport a more attractive option. “I would now be encouraging the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to come on board further in the plans to develop street lights from the park and ride right into the village for people walking.” Let us bring the news to you – sign up for our free newsletter A spokesperson for Translink the project has been “carefully designed to provide highly accessible facilities for all users”. “The development includes dedicated drop-off areas, enhanced public realm features, and covered cycle parking to encourage active travel. Care has been taken to ensure the facility fits naturally into its surroundings, with environmental features that help protect and support local biodiversity.” A DfI spokesperson said:“DfI has closed (one way) Station Road, Moira from Moira train station car park to Chestnut Hill Road. The road will be closed continuously from Monday, August 18 until Friday, November 28 to facilitate the Moira park and ride upgrade. An alternative route: Station Road – A3 Lisburn Road – A26 Glenavy Road.” Work is expected to be completed by September next year.
