Council receives an update on Roads infrastructure projects for Newry Mourne and Down District Council area

At the Department for Infrastructure’s recent meeting with Newry Mourne and Down District Council, members were updated on works being undertaken in 2020/21.

Speaking as he addressed council members by video link on Monday evening, Network Development Manager, Mr James Kelly said:

“Significant resurfacing schemes have been completed in recent months, including on the Warrenpoint Dual Carriageway, Belfast Road in Newry, Blackstaff Road at Ballykinler and the Ballynahinch Road, Castlewellan, with further schemes planned across the Council area for delivery before the end of the financial year.’’

In respect of the larger road schemes proposed in the area, Mr Kelly advised:

“Over the past year good progress has been made on a number of strategic roads infrastructure projects with the Newry Southern Relief Road working through the statutory process.  The Ballynahinch Bypass scheme is now at an advanced stage of development and preparatory work on contract documentation has been completed.  An economic appraisal report for the scheme has also been prepared. Work to review the environmental reports is ongoing in preparation for the making of the Direction Order. The Minister hopes to be in position to make the Direction Order for the scheme in the new year.”

Mr Kelly also highlighted Minister Mallon’s commitment to investing in improved safety measures outside schools and highlighted twelve locations across the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area where part time 20mph speed limits are planned. 

He continued:

“A significant junction improvement scheme has been completed at Collins Corner in Downpatrick and a stretch of new footway had been installed at Rathfriland Road in Newry and also at Todd’s Hill in Saintfield. A new pedestrian controlled Puffin crossing has been commissioned at Clough and another two were installed in Newcastle, replacing the zebra crossings on the A2 Dundrum Road and the A50 Castlewellan Road.’’

Mr Kelly also informed that street lighting renewal schemes were completed at Acorn Hill, Boat Street and Patrick Street in Newry and at other locations across the district including Whitecross, Meigh, Kilkeel, Mullaghbawn, Mayobridge and Castlewellan.

Referring to all of the schemes outlined in the report, Mr Kelly stated:

“The works completed to date and planned for later this year will provide significant benefits to both the local community and enhance provision for all those walking and cycling, as well as those using roads in the Newry Mourne and Down District Council area.

“It has been an unprecedented year so far, caused by the impact of Covid-19.  This resulted in our contractors being unable to work from mid-March until around mid-May and this had a knock on impact on our work programmes.  I am pleased to advise that our contractors have been working again since May to complete the schemes that were stopped due to the Covid-19 restrictions and we are now implementing our 2020/21 works programmes.

“Divisional allocations have now been confirmed and I am pleased to note that on the Capital side these are broadly similar to last year. Resource allocations will allow the Department to maintain the road network in a similar way to last year but I am pleased to report that the Minister has allocated sufficient funding to allow a full street lighting repair service for the entire year and this is to be welcomed. 

“The overall 2020/21 structural maintenance capital budget for Northern Ireland is £75 million and of this, £12 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund of which £10 million is targeted towards rural roads. For the Newry Mourne and Down District this translates to just over £1.75 million to be used to address areas of immediate need across the rural road network.

“My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists. 

“I would encourage Councillors to continue to contact the relevant members of my staff in relation to operational matters and they will do their best to assist.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hour’s service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow us on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

Share this page