Road improvement scheme for O’Neill Road, Newtownabbey

Date published: 08 July 2020

The O’Neill Road, Newtownabbey is set to benefit from a 1 kilometre resurfacing scheme along with upgraded facilities for pedestrians and cyclists.

Road improvement and cycling facilities image

The scheme, which has commenced, will deliver significant improvements to the structural integrity and surface of the carriageway, enhanced footway/cycleway provision, an upgrade of the pedestrian crossing facilities to a Toucan crossing, as well as an improved layout of the Old Irish Highway, Knockenagh Avenue and O’Neill Road junction. 

Minister Mallon is committed to delivering sustainable infrastructure that will transform communities and improve lives.  These upgraded facilities will give benefits to the whole community and help encourage more people to consider walking and cycling journeys.

The scheme will be delivered in three phases:

  • The first, will see work on the southern footway starting to the west of the Dunanney development and extend to Doagh Road roundabout and will include the replacement of the current flat kerbs with 100mm upstand kerbs.
  • The second phase, will deliver similar work on the northern footway past the garage and the houses in Altnacreeve Park which face onto O’Neill Road, to the Doagh Road roundabout.
  • The third and final phase will be the resurfacing of the carriageway.   

Most of the work will be carried out using lane closures with temporary traffic signals, there will be the need at times, such as when working on the footway/cycleway near the roundabout and when carrying out resurfacing, to use road closures.  Variable message signs will be in use on the site to provide details of any proposed closures in advance of them coming into operation.

All diversionary routes will be clearly signed and local access for residents will be maintained during the works.

The Department has carefully programmed the works operations and traffic management arrangements in order to minimise inconvenience, however, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when planning any journeys.

To help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with extra care in the vicinity, of the works.

Work is expected to be completed in September 2020 however this will be dependent on the progress of the scheme and on favourable weather conditions.

For traffic information about this and other road schemes visit: Trafficwatchni.

Notes to editors: 

  1. The cost of the shared footway/cycleway scheme is £260,000; the cost of the carriageway resurfacing scheme is £270,000 and the Toucan crossing is £25,000.
  2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
  3. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours 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.
  4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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