A project that could see lengthy waiting times at train crossings and major traffic disruption in Lurgan significantly reduced is not expected to start until 2028… and may be completed two years after construction begins on a new station.
Major traffic disruption and delays became a main talking point along William Street – the site of Lurgan’s train station – in November 2024, after a new hourly train service between Belfast and Lurgan was introduced.
The Enterprise service – which runs every hour between Grand Central Station in Belfast and Connolly Station in Dublin – was hailed as a huge boost for public transport, but it subsequently revealed its detrimental impact in the popular shopping town.
Belfast to Dublin trains run through the town on an hourly basis, where cars and pedestrians are forced to sit through lengthy waits at three level crossings… with tailbacks trailing far beyond the barriers.
Speaking at the time of the services’ introduction, Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart, said she was “deeply frustrated and concerned by the worsening traffic disruption and delays, particularly during peak hours, at the William Street railway crossing”.
Related: ‘Absolute nightmare’ as major traffic problems persist at Lurgan railway crossing
“This situation is severely impacting businesses, commuters and pedestrians, with one business owner describing it as an ‘absolute nightmare’ that threatens to destroy what remains of Lurgan’s business environment.”
Ms Lockhart says she experienced a wait in excess of 13 minutes on one occasion, a delay, she says “deters people trying to reach work, school or conduct business in the town”.
The issue was brought to the attention of Translink bosses and the Minister for Infrastructure for review and remedial action.
Translink responded with an Outline Business Case suggesting a new signal system at level crossings in the town.
The public transportation agency has already progressed plans for a new £20m station at William Street, alongside the ‘Lurgan Track Renewal Scheme’, which will see over 1.7kms of tracks replaced in the area.
According to a report by the Irish News in March of this year, Translink responded to a Freedom of Information (FoI) request from a concerned member of the public explaining: “Subject to business case approval and availability of budget…the project [for improvements to signalling] could commence in 2027.”
They also said that construction of the new station could begin in 2027, subject to funding and planning approval.
Related: Lurgan’s business owners weigh up pros and cons of new Enterprise service
Further to this, Alliance MLA for Upper Bann Eoin Tennyson asked Transport Minister Liz Kimmins for an update on her Department’s assessment of Translink’s business case.
However, the Minister’s response indicates that construction on the new station could well be commenced before signalling concerns have been addressed.
Said Ms Kimmins in her reply: “This Outline Business Case (OBC) is currently being assessed by my officials and once complete, and if appropriate, they will seek approval from colleagues in the Department of Finance.
“Subject to securing approval of the full business case, the availability of funding, along with other various required statutory approvals, the project could commence in September 2028 and take one year to complete.”
