Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council receives an update on road infrastructure projects for 2026/27

Date published: 26 October 2026

During a meeting on Monday 26 October, Divisional Roads Manager Cindy Noble addressed the council, stating,

 For planning purposes, an opening indicative allocation for structural maintenance of approximately £98 million is being provided, which is approximately £30 million higher than the opening allocation in the previous year. From this allocation the Department has targeted approximately £12.5 million towards a Roads Recovery Fund. This funding will enable the delivery of the highest priority resurfacing, roadside stability and drainage projects. And the funding for Rural Roads maintenance in 2026/27, at £10 million, is double the size of last year’s allocation.

To help prioritise, the Department is developing a Transport Strategy 2035, which sets out a long-term vision and strategic framework for the region. The strategy aims to support economic growth, strengthen regional balance, and enhance connectivity, while promoting a more sustainable transport system. It brings together key transport policy objectives within a single overarching framework, providing greater clarity on the context for the Department's decisions and the actions required across government to support delivery of these strategic outcomes. 

In parallel, Local Transport Plans are being developed alongside councils' Local Development Plans to ensure a more integrated approach to transport and land use planning.

“Road safety also remains a high priority for the Department, and we are committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users.

Ms Noble continued: 

Last year, key resurfacing works were completed on Moy Road in Armagh, Charles Street and Dungannon Road in Portadown, and Dechomet Road in Katesbridge. Other completed projects included the installation of dropped kerbs and tactile paving at Ballyoran Park in Portadown and Manor Drive in Lurgan. Pedestrian facilities were also enhanced with the provision of new pedestrian islands and the installation of a new puffin crossing on Dungannon Road in Portadown and there were also upgrades to existing puffin crossings at Francis Street and North Street in Lurgan. In addition, several footway resurfacing schemes were completed across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area, including at The Square in Richhill, Main Street in Loughgall, and Bunker Hill and Ashlea Bend in Markethill.

Continuing Ms Noble said, 

Looking ahead to 2026/27, we are planning further resurfacing schemes across the borough, including Coolmillish Road in Markethill, Ballygowan Road in Banbridge and Cottage Road in Lurgan. Other planned improvements include the installation of dropped kerbs and tactile paving at Drumlin Drive in Lurgan, together with several footway resurfacing schemes across the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area. These will include works at Charlemont Gardens, Rose Park in Laurelvale and Cusher Green in Mountnorris.

Further plans include upgrading the signalised junction at Church Street and Hanover Street in Portadown, as well as installing new puffin crossings on Scarva Road in Banbridge and Sloan Street in Lurgan.

In closing, Ms Noble said; 

These projects will deliver significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area.