Ballymena Times received a number of calls from disgruntled drivers, who expressed their disillusionment with the 'major improvement scheme'.

However, any motorists who took a moment to peer over the patched up bridge will have noticed the major construction works which are ongoing.
Although the bridge has reopened to traffic, the construction of the new extension to the bridge is still in the early stages.

When completed, the new bridge will be almost ten feet wider than the original, incorporating a new footpath.

Ballymena South Councillor, John Carson who said he believed the project would be completed by early 2009, said the five week closure was to complete the new road layout and prepare the site for the construction of the bridge extension.

"The Dunluce park side of the old bridge will be extended by three to four metres. The roadway is in the finishing staged, but the bridge is a major part of the contract that still has to be completed.
"They wanted to get the road opened and in use for the schools opening, but it is only a temporary measure, the bridge still has to be widened."
Councillor Carson said he did not anticipate many more road closures for the duration of the project:

"As far as I am aware, work will be completed in the early part of 2009. I have been assured by the Roads Service that traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum. But because of the intensity of the construction work there may be some days where the road will have to be closed, but they will be kept to a minimum."