Limavady to Derry roadworks to continue into 2026

Roadworks on the main road from Limavady to Londonderry, which have been causing significant delays, will not be complete until early 2026.

The work is part of the Department for Infrastructure’s (DfI) Active Travel Scheme which extends approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) along part of the A2 Clooney Road.

However, people living in the surrounding areas have said it is causing “serious” traffic delays.

A spokesperson for the DfI confirmed that work will continue into next year, adding that people should allow extra time for their journey.

The DfI previously said the project is aimed at improving access for pedestrians and cyclists by installing cycle-lanes and greenway paths.

Dessie Loughery from Limavady, who uses the Clooney Road daily, told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme the work had been a “complete disaster”.

“There are very few cyclists that pass through Limavady, Ballykelly and Greytsteel. Where is the evidence that this cycle path is needed?” he said.

“People are in queues of traffic for about 20-40 minutes sometimes.

“It is horrendous and it’s going to be worse now with schools back.”

Mr Loughery said he would love to know the exact completion date.

“I fear it’s going to run on and run on and it’s going to have a big impact now at Halloween and at Christmas,” he said.

“Why can’t get they work at night and into the early hours of the morning? Could the money not be spent on better projects? It’s a massive inconvenience all for a cycle path.”

Information published on the DfI website states “a cycling/pedestrian count survey was not undertaken as part of this project”.

It also says “the scheme was presented to Causeway Coast & Glens Council in the Spring of 2021”.

A spokesperson for DfI told BBC News NI: “The scheme, which had been originally due to commence in late 2024, was deferred until early 2025 and is due for completion in early 2026”.

“Lane closures are in place from 09:30 to 16:30 Monday to Friday.

“We ask the travelling public to allow extra time for their journey and thank them for their patience while these important improvement works are carried out.”

Terri Lafferty McGowan, who lives in Ballykelly, said she was “deeply frustrated”.

“It’s causing chaos for people in the village and surrounding areas,” she said.

“The hard shoulder that was originally there should have been enough for cyclists.

“School children are getting home later. It’s ridiculous, and the care in the community services are also being impacted.

“It causes so much anxiety.”