A-26: Road brandeda ‘race track and death trap’

Now calls have been made for a 50 mile per hour speed limit to be imposed along the length of the road - one of the busiest in Northern Ireland.

The appeal came after a two vehicle collision near the notorious Rosses Factory junction at Kellswater early last Tuesday afternoon. The crash cost the life of a 66-year-old man from Omagh, Mr. Vincent ‘Vinto’ Kelly, who was well known on the Ulster country’n’western scene having been a roadie for many local artists in previous years.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash which inevitably led to traffic chaos in and around the Ballymena area police issued an appeal for motorists who were travelling along the A-26 just before 1.30pm on Tuesday to contact them. Mr. Kelly was the driver of a red Peugeot 205 that was in collision with a grey Suzuki Grand Vitara. The driver of the Suzuki was taken to hospital for treatment for his injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

Police ask anyone who witnessed the collision or who has any information to contact them at Ballymena Police Station on 0845 600 8000.

The road was closed until mid-evening with serious disruption to traffic coming from and going to Ballymena.

One man who has lived in the area for many years commented: “This is a very dangerous road and the junction at Rosses Factory should always be approached with extreme caution.”

As news of the fatality broke, the Ballymena Times’ facebook page was inundated with comments from local people and motorists who use the A-26 on a regular basis. One resident stated that they had been calling for a 50-mile-per-hour speed limit for years to no avail.

“How many more people have to die on this road before someone takes notice?” he asked.

Alliance Councillor Jayne Dunlop says she will be calling on Roads Service to put a 50mph speed limit in force at the Rosses factory junction.

“I was very sad to learn about the death that resulted after a two car collision on the Lisnevenagh Road on Tuesday and my sympathy goes to the

victim’s family,” she said.

“ This is a very fast stretch of road and it is very dangerous. Local people have been asking for a reduced speed limit at the road junction where this accident occurred, but nothing has been done.

“This dreadful accident shows that action needs to be taken to improve road safety so that this sort of tragedy does not happen again.

“Ballymena Council will be meeting Roads Service in June and I will be asking for traffic calming measures to be put in place, including a 50mph speed limit at this junction.”

Councillor for Ballymena South Beth Adger extended sympathy to the family of Vincent Kelly, saying that her “thoughts and prayers are with them”.

Mrs Adger added: “The problem at the Antrim line is simply with ‘speed’ and at that area (Rosses Factory) in particular.

“It is really, really dangerous there with cars flying out over the top of that hill. If you’re sitting in the middle turning next to Ballymena the cars come over extremely quickly. It is a very dangerous stretch of road and it can mean you’re sitting there for hours trying to get away”.

Cllr Adger said that the route had been well marked out and well illuminated by Roads Service but said she felt that the erection of electronic signage reminding motorists of the 60mph speed limit should be considered.

She also felt that regular monitoring of speed along the route by police would be helpful.

The Councillor added that she would be raising her concerns about the road next month when Councillors are due to meeti with Roads Service.