'Complete disaster' roadworks to continue into 2026

Roadworks on the main road from Limavady to Londonderry have been causing serious delays for months

Roadworks described as causing "chaos" on the main road between Limavady and Londonderry are set to continue into early next year, it has been confirmed.

The A2 Clooney Road between Ballykelly and Greysteel has been hit by tailbacks as work continues to widen a footpath so it can also be used as a cycle path.

The department said the roadworks, originally described as a 33-week scheme, were to begin last year but were "deferred until early 2025 and is due for completion in early 2026".

But road users have described the delays as "horrendous", with one man saying it was a "complete disaster".

What are people in Ballykelly and Limavady saying?

Dessie Loughery, from Limavady, uses the road on a daily basis

"There are very few cyclists that pass through Limavady, Ballykelly and Greysteel," Dessie Loughery told BBC Radio Foyle's North West Today programme.

"Where is the evidence that this cycle path is needed?"

The department has 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.

Mr Loughery, who is from Limavady and uses the road every day, said it was causing 20 to 40 minute delays.

"It is horrendous and it's going to be worse now with schools back."

He 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 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."

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."

Cara Hunter says the roadworks are having a negative impact on a number of people living in the area

SDLP assembly member for East Londonderry, Cara Hunter, has written to the department over the delays.

She wants departmental officials to come to Ballykelly, Greysteel and Limavady to hear first-hand about the anger and frustration the delays are causing her constituents.

"I have heard a number of reports of people not getting access to cancer appointments at the North West Cancer Centre, and I have also heard about people with parents in palliative care who are taking up to an hour to complete a journey that should take only 20 or 30 minutes," she said.

"It is great that we are seeing investment in these roads but these constant delays cannot continue."

A spokesperson for the department 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 BST 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."