Potential traffic control for the Dark Hedges

Department for Infrastructure opens consultation on draft proposals to curtail traffic at the Dark Hedges near Stranocum

Attempts to control the level of traffic near the dark hedges have been ongoing for over a year, with Causeway Coast and Glens Council proposing a closure to traffic last March.

The initiative has however, entered the next step with the Department for Infrastructure submitting draft proposals for traffic control at the site near Stranocum. If passed, coach and car traffic could be prevented from entering several roads in the area.

The order would see the use of vehicles prohibited on sections of the Bregagh Road, Armoy from its junction with the Ballinlea Road to its junction with Ballykenver Road.  The use of coaches could also be prevented from the Chatham Road, Armoy from its junction with the Ballinlea Road to its junction with Ballykenver Road, and  Doughery Brae, from its junction with the Carrowreagh Road up to the Ballinlea Road.

Nothing is as yet written in stone as it is only a draft proposal, but it signals a significant step towards controlling traffic at one of Northern Ireland's most iconic sites. However, similar to planning applications, objections to the proposal can be submitted.

The draft proposal can be viewed at the County Hall in Coleraine and an outline can be found here.