Translink is investing in Ballymena Park & Ride to provide more spaces and make it easier for people to travel sustainably across Northern Ireland.
The enhanced facility will deliver increased parking capacity and improved access to bus and rail services, giving customers greater choice and convenience while supporting cleaner, greener journeys and helping create a more connected and sustainable future.
From Monday 1 June to late August 2026 essential road and infrastructure upgrades will take place at Galgorm Road and Waveney Road to help create smoother bus journeys and easier access in and out of the Park & Ride.
The overall project is due to be completed Autumn 2026.
Translink is working in partnership with experienced contractors FP McCann Ltd. to deliver this major project.
This expansion is part of Translink’s ‘Better. Connected’ strategy, which aims to promote sustainable travel and improve public transport accessibility across Northern Ireland.
The Ballymena site is considered one of Translink’s most important Park and Ride locations, given its key position on the busy North-West rail corridor and access to bus and coach network.
Planned Enhancements
- 387 additional parking spaces
- Improved pedestrian access
- Accessibility Upgrades, including designated accessible parking bays and improved pedestrian footpaths to access Ballymena Bus and Rail Stations.
- Enhanced security and safety features, such as CCTV, security fencing, and low-impact flood lighting for passenger comfort and reassurance.
- Enhanced covered cycle shelters to support active travel options.
- Environmental considerations, including high quality landscaping to enhance the site’s visual integration while protecting and enhancing local biodiversity.
- Integration, with bus access points to facilitate seamless multi-modal transport connections.
Users of the existing Park and Ride facility at the station, will see some adjustments with reduced access for passenger drop off and pick up at the front of the station while these works are underway
When completed, the enhanced facility will offer more people the option to park and access the bus or train as a sustainable transport option, encouraging modal shift to help reduce congestion, cut carbon emissions, and support Northern Ireland’s climate goals.
Road Upgrades - Monday 1 June to late August 2026
Between June 1st and late August essential road and infrastructure upgrades are taking place at Galgorm Road and Waveney Road, adjacent to Ballymena Bus and Rail Station.
During this period, traffic management, including off-peak lane restrictions and some night-time working will be required to safely complete ducting, drainage, junction improvements and resurfacing works in and around the station.
During this period:
- Roads will remain open, but traffic management will be in place
- Temporary delays are likely at peak times
- Works will be completed using a blend of both night-time and day-time works to minimise the overall impact.
- DfI Roads will also be undertaking works in the wider area during this period, which may place additional pressure on traffic; however, through close coordination we aim to minimise overall disruption for road users.
What the road works will entail
The works will take place across the summer. The planned works at Galgorm Road and Waveney Road include:
- Drainage and underground ducting installation
- Junction improvements at Galgorm Road and Waveney Road
- Traffic signal upgrades
- Final road resurfacing works
Planning your journey - Road users and public transport passengers are advised to:
- Plan their journey in advance and allow additional travel time, particularly during peak periods
- Passengers should check <add timetable link> or use download the Translink Journey Planner for travel planning.
- Consider alternative routes where possible
- Follow all temporary traffic management and signage
Pedestrian access will be maintained at all times.
Stakeholder and Community Engagement
The project has already attracted significant local interest, highlighting clear demand for improved public transport access and sustainable travel choices.
A community engagement programme is actively underway, including collaboration with local schools to support young people and underline the importance of public transport in connecting them to education.
Translink will continue to engage with stakeholders and the public as the project progresses, ensuring that the facility meets the needs of its users and delivers long-term value to the community.
Next Steps
Work has been ongoing at the site from January 2026, and every effort is being made to keep any associated noise and disruption to a minimum.
We are committed to working closely with local residents and stakeholders to ensure that this project delivers long-term value to the community.
We would like to thank to the community in Ballymena for their support as we work to deliver a modern, accessible, and sustainable transport facility for the local community.