Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, and the site of a landslide at Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that the embankment reconstruction works on the Glenshesk Road, Ballycastle will commence this week.
The Glenshesk Road partially collapsed due to an embankment failure on 27 March 2024.
Minister Kimmins said:
“The local community will be well aware that the Glenshesk Road has been partially closed for almost a year following the serious embankment failure that occurred due to severe weather conditions last year.
“Due to the severity of the damage and the topography of the area this has been a complex issue that has required a significant engineering consideration to allow a safe and feasible solution to be developed.
“I am pleased to confirm we are now in a position to commence the repairs this week. As this area is susceptible to landslides drainage improvement works will be undertaken in association with the embankment reconstruction to reduce the risk of further landslides at this location.
“I am very mindful of the impact this road closure is having, and I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their continued patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the works, the B15 Glenshesk Road will remain closed (between Greenan Road junction and Glenbank Road junction) during the duration of the works. Signed diversionary routes are already in place.
It is hoped that the works will be completed by end of the summer subject to favourable weather conditions. The Department will keep the public informed of the expected road opening dates as the works progress.
Background
After a spell of prolonged heavy rainfall throughout the preceding day and night, the Glenshesk Road partially collapsed on 27 March 2024 due an embankment failure.
The rainfall event was one factor contributing to the road collapse.
The topography of the site is such that it slopes steeply from west to east, down towards the Glenshesk River.
Furthermore, the geology on the higher side suggests potential shallow bedrock which encourages runoff from the surface, given the steep profile.
On the lower side, there is sandy soil which provides little cohesion.
Given the above factors, it highlights that the area is susceptible to slippages and landslides, however we are unable to predict where and when they will occur.
The Glenshesk Road has therefore been closed to vehicles and pedestrians due to safety concerns, between U5075 Glenbank Road and U5077 Greenan Road, and a fully signed diversionary route is currently in place.
The footage shows the magnitude of the embankment failure.
The design process has various approval procedures in place which must be followed to ensure risks are identified and managed. Geotechnical Approval of the proposed design is a mandatory part of the process and ensures that the design reduces the risk of a further failure, either during construction, or of the completed work.