Ministers announce public realm and road improvement scheme for A27 New Street & Canal Quay, Newry
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have announced the commencement of a public realm and road improvement scheme of over £800,000 on A25 New Street and U6294 Canal Quay in Newry City. The scheme will include the installation of a new toucan-controlled crossing on A25 New Street in the city. A significant part of the funding for this scheme has been made available by the Department for Communities.
The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of the full length of New Street commencing at the roundabout beside Newry Courthouse to its junction with Canal Street, a distance of 290 metres as well as resurfacing of Canal Quay from its junction with New Street to its junction with Erskine Street, a distance of 170 metres.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“This is a substantial investment for the Newry area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users . The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling in the Newry area. Work is expected to be substantially completed by Sunday 1 March 2026. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said:
“My Department’s funding of £798,000 will help unlock the full potential of the Newry Towpath and Greenway, as set out in the Newry Masterplan. These improvements will deliver a new safe crossing point and upgrade surface conditions to enhance the route’s suitability for walkers, runners, and cyclists. This investment will increase active travel from the Newry Canal Walkway towards the Newry Towpath, making it a safe, accessible, and vibrant sustainable travel corridor.”
To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement daily lane closures from Monday 12 January to Friday 6 February 2026, to carry out any preparatory works in advance of the actual resurfacing operations. Night-Time closures and a number of Sunday closures will be required to facilitate the resurfacing works. These dates and further information will be confirmed later .
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.
Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Sunday 1 March 2026, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
Details of the second and final phase of the scheme will be announced in due course.
For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni.
Notes to editors:
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