Kimmins announces £1m major resurfacing scheme on A1 Banbridge By-pass

Date published: 15 April 2026

The resurfacing works along the south bound carriageway, between the Rathfriland Road Junction and Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction is scheduled to be completed between 17 April and 29 April 2026. The majority of the work will be completed at weekends and overnight.

Minister Kimmins said: 

“This is a substantial investment for our major road network. The A1 carries thousands of vehicles per day including many cross border travellers. These essential resurfacing works will deliver significant benefits for all road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank all local residents, businesses and those who travel along the A1 for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

To ensure the safety of road users and our road workers while the work takes place it will be necessary to implement a series of lane closures and road closures as follows:

• A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed overnight from 9pm on Friday 17 April 2026 until 6am on Saturday 18 April 2026 between the Dromore Road Junction and Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A  diversionary route will be signed via A26 Dromore Road – A26 Dromore Street – A26 Church Square – U4147 Downshire Road – U4470 Downshire Place – B10 Scarva Street – U4469 Commercial Road – C351 Commercial Road – A26 Newry Road.
• A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed continuously from 6am Saturday 18 April 2026 to 6 am on Monday 20 April 2026 between Newry Road off slip and Newry Road on slip (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A diversionary route will be signed via A1 Off Slip Road – A26 Bridgewater Roundabout – A1 On Slip Road.
• A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed each night from 9pm to 6am on Monday 20 April 2026 to Wednesday 29 April 2026 between Dromore Road Junction and Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A diversionary route will be signed via A26 Dromore Road – A26 Dromore Street – A26 Church Square – U4147 Downshire Road – U4470 Downshire Place – B10 Scarva Street – U4469 Commercial Road – C351 Commercial Road – A26 Newry Road.
• A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be reduced to a single lane each day from 6am to 9pm from Tuesday 21 April 2026 until Tuesday 28 April 2026.
• A50 Old Manse Road Junction with the A1 Dual Carriageway will be restricted to left turns only continuously from 6am on Tuesday 21 April 2026 until 9 pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
• A1/B10 Rathfriland Road On Slip Road will be closed continuously from 9 pm Tuesday 21 April 2026 until 6.00 Wednesday 29 April 2026. A diversionary route will be signed via B10 Rathfriland Road – U4465 Kenlis Street – A26 Newry Road. Access will be maintained to the park & ride facility and local residents.

A temporary speed limit of 40 mph speed limit will also be imposed along the stretch and overtaking will be prohibited.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however some delays can be expected, and road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and to follow the alternative routes which will be clearly signed on the approaches to the closure.

Completion of the work by 29 April 2026 is subject to favourable weather conditions, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

For traffic information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni