O’Dowd announces £400,000 road improvement scheme for A20 Portaferry Road Newtownards

Date published: 19 September 2024

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that a £400,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on A20 Portaferry Road, Newtownards will commence on Friday 20 September 2024.

The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of a 750 metre stretch of the Portaferry Road between the Old Shore Road junction and ‘The Maltings’.

The Infrastructure Minister said:

“This is a substantial investment for the Newtownards area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural 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 on the Ards Peninsula. Work is expected to be substantially completed by Monday 30th September 2024.  I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement weekend road closures between C254 Finlay’s Road and U126 Old Shore Road from 7.00 pm on Friday 20 September to 6.00 am on Monday 23 and from 7.00 pm on Friday 27 September to 6.00 am Monday 30 September 2024.

During these times there will be a signed diversionary route via Newtownards, Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter, Greyabbey and vice versa

Local access for residents and emergency services will be maintained at all times, however some minor delays may be experienced.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, 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 all work will be completed by 30 September 2024, however, the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.

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

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 hours service for media enquiries only 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

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