£350,000 extension to Castledawson Roundabout Park & Ride to increase capacity to 192 spaces

Infrastructure Minister, Chris Hazzard, has today announced the commencement of construction of an extension to the Park and Ride/Share facility at Castledawson Roundabout on the main A6 Derry to Belfast road.

The extension will add 192 spaces, including 10 disabled spaces, to the 78 spaces that currently exist.

The work, valued at almost £350,000, is being undertaken by contractors FP McCann and is expected to be completed by April 2017.

The proposed scheme will provide additional capacity for convenient parking for those wishing to share transport or take public transport.

The car park (pictured) will be served by a regular bus service operating along the main A6 between Belfast and the North West and this offers commuters an attractive alternative to using the private car for their onward journey.

Announcing the extension, Mr Hazzard said: “The existing Park & Ride at Castledawson has proven very popular with occupancy rates at capacity in recent months. The increased popularity of Park & Ride and Park & Share represents a major and welcome shift in many peoples’ travel behaviour.

“This scheme is a reflection of my Department's commitment to promote more sustainable travel and in conjunction with Translink, we will continue to improve the availability of Park & Ride and Park & Share facilities across the north of Ireland.”