Road set to reopen in 'chock-a-block' village of Moira as Translink project moves forward

Construction work on the long awaited £6.6m Moira park and ride began in September and the 12 week closure of Station Road is due to end this month.

Almost 580 car parking spaces will eventually be provided for people travelling from Moira train station.

UUP councillor, Alan Martin said: ”This is a good news story for Moira, which has taken a long time to get to construction.

“The village at the moment is chock-a-block with traffic because the road structure through Moira is not good enough. It needs a bypass.

“So far there has not been much of a knock-on effect on traffic direct into the village, but other people trying to get in and out from the train station by Station Road may have been affected, but the construction work needs to be done and that has to be expected.

“For too long, congestion in and around Moira has been a daily frustration for both commuters and residents.

“The park and ride is a valuable investment that has the potential to ease that pressure and make public transport a more attractive option.

“I would now be encouraging the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to come on board further in the plans to develop street lights from the park and ride right into the village for people walking.”

A spokesperson for Translink said: “This project has been carefully designed to provide highly accessible facilities for all users, supporting a smoother transition from private car use to public transport.

“The development includes dedicated drop-off areas, enhanced public realm features, and covered cycle parking to encourage active travel. Care has been taken to ensure the facility fits naturally into its surroundings, with environmental features that help protect and support local biodiversity.

“The project is due to be completed during summer 2026, enabling more people to enjoy the convenience of rail travel, supporting better regional connectivity, and reliable alternatives to car-only journeys.”

A DfI spokesperson said: “DfI has closed (one way) Station Road, Moira from Moira train station car park to Chestnut Hill Road.

“This road will be closed continuously until Friday 28 November. The closure is required to facilitate the Moira park and ride upgrade. “An alternative route: Station Road – A3 Lisburn Road – A26 Glenavy Road.

“The project will deliver 23 new disabled parking spaces along with secure cycle parking, CCTV and lighting. With the 89 spaces that are currently at the station, that will make a total of 578 parking spaces. Work is expected to be completed by September next year.”