Northern Area Plan 2016
Strategic Plan Framework: Transportation Rural Roads Improvement Schemes

The Department is mindful of the adverse impact new road schemes and upgrades can have on the landscape of an area and biodiversity. They can also open up the landscape and provide more opportunity for public viewing and associated works may improve the biodiversity interest of an area. One of the attractions of the area is the predominance of country roads which provide alternative links to the area’s main settlements. These are normally narrow, lined with hedges and isolated trees. They provide areas of tranquillity and a slower pace by which to enjoy the surrounding landscapes and, on occasion, wildlife. Road improvement schemes can affect the character of these areas, for example by the removal of hedges, the introduction of kerbs and the introduction of street lighting.

Other important elements of the road network in the countryside which have been identified as being likely to experience traffic growth include:

This route is an alternative route between Ballymoney and Coleraine, offering an option for access to the northern parts of Coleraine, and avoiding any congestion at Lodge Road roundabout. It is expected that by 2016, the route will carry an increased level of traffic. Given the developing role of the B62/B67, and its more strategic function in the network, a route management strategy will be developed to manage demand, maintain safety, and maintain/improve the route to reflect its role in carrying more traffic between Coleraine and Ballymoney.

The B66 is a direct route between Ballymoney and Limavady that offers a viable alternative to the A26, especially for locally based traffic. Given the evolving role of the B66 in the network, a route management strategy will be developed to manage demand, maintain safety, and maintain/improve the route to reflect its role in carrying more traffic between Ballymoney and Limavady.

The B68 is a direct route between Dungiven and Limavady which allows connection to the Londonderry – Belfast Key Transportation Corridor. Given its importance in the network, a route management strategy will be developed to manage demand, maintain safety, and maintain/improve the route to reflect its role in carrying more traffic between Limavady and Dungiven and onto the North Western Key Transport Corridor.

The B201 is a direct route between Coleraine and Limavady that offers a viable alternative to the A37. Given the evolving role of the B201 in the network, a route management strategy will be developed to manage demand, maintain safety, and maintain/improve the route to reflect its role in carrying more traffic between Coleraine and Limavady.