Ballymena railway station

Infobox NI station
name = Ballymena


locale = Ballymena
borough = Ballymena Borough Council
years = 1855
1981
2008
events = Original Station opened
Current station opened
Station refurbished
platforms = 2
usage0405 =

Ballymena railway station serves the Ballymena area in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is located just outside of Ballymena town centre on the Galgorm Road, and is integrated with the local bus station. It is suituated on the Londonderry line between Antrim and Cullybackey.

Ballymena station first opened on 4 December 1855 [cite web | title= Ballymena| work=Railscot - Irish Railways | url=http://www.railscot.co.uk/Ireland/Irish_railways.pdf | accessdate=2007-08-27] and from the information available, has remained open ever since. At one time, there were several other stations in the Ballymena area, however the only other one which survives to this day is Cullybackey. Ballymena railway station consists of two platforms, and serves as a passing point on a mainly single track line. On the Belfast bound line, between Ballymena and Antrim, a 70mph speed limit has been imposed due to the poor quality of the track, however Translink has produced a capital expenditure plan which lists an speed upgrade as a priority. It is also rummoured, that someday, Translink would like to re-instate the double track between these stations to enhance the service to this station. According to the current timetable, there are services every half hour at peak times, and every hour or two hours during non-peak periods.

As part of the Disability Discrimination Act, it is currently in the process of being refurbished under a £17 million investment program by Translink, which will see lifts to the platforms installed as well as better lighting and seating and other minor changes.

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References