DfI predicts £600,000 overspend on unpopular Londonderry roadworks

The cost of controversial roadworks between Ballykelly and Greysteel has increased by £600,000 since work began, BBC News NI understands.

The A2 Clooney Road project has been hit by lengthy tailbacks that can see drivers spending 45 minutes at a standstill.

Rosemary Wright, who owns Ashburn Image in Eglinton, said the delays constitute a “big loss” to her salon and is costing her customers.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) said the additional cost is down to additional works that were not part of the original contract and that work is expected to be “substantially complete” by the end of February 2026.

The additional work includes street lighting ducting, drainage improvements at Carnamuff Road and additional works around Faughanvale Bridge.

A spokesperson for DfI said it was “more efficient” to deliver all of the works together “rather than through separate contracts at a later date”.

The department was unable to provide an exact date for the works ending.

Road users have described the delays as “horrendous”.

“My clients coming from Limavady and Coleraine are all late for their appointments,” said Wright.

“My therapists and myself are left standing doing nothing which is a big loss to the business.

“Staff trying to get to and from work has been an absolute nightmare. All this for a path that many feel will never be used.

“We are losing clients due to 45 minute delays. It’s not on.”

Kevin Price from Limavady works as a driver for a local charity.

“I collect elderly people from the Greysteel Community Association and take them to Ballykelly or Limavady.

“The delays have been hell. I left Limavady at 3.30pm and didn’t get to Greysteel to 4.30pm.

“The staff have to stay behind. It’s not right on any of them,” Price added.

“Surely there’s a better system? This has been going on for far too long now.”

DfI previously said lane closures are in place from 09:30 GMT to 16:30 Monday to Friday.

DfI previously said the roadworks, originally described as a 33-week scheme, were to begin in 2024 but were “deferred until early 2025”.

“Resurfacing works commenced on 19 January 2026 and are expected to take approximately two weeks, subject to weather conditions,” a spokesperson said.

The department told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme that the original estimate for the works was £2.6m, but that it has now risen to £3.2m.

It said part of the cost increase can also be attributed to “additional traffic management measures put in place during the construction phase”.

The department previously said the project is aimed at improving access for pedestrians and cyclists by installing cycle lanes and greenway paths, and is part of its Active Travel Scheme.