Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council receives an update on road infrastructure projects for 2025/26

Date published: 27 October 2025

During a meeting on Monday 27 October, Divisional Roads Manager Cindy Noble addressed the council, stating: 

“The Department’s Final 2025-26 Resource Budget is £637.1m, representing an increase of £77.6m from the 2024-25 opening budget. The Department has been historically underfunded for many years, so this is a welcome increase in the Departments resource budget allocation. However, this does not fully meet the requirements of the Department and therefore decisions on prioritising the budget have been made. The Department’s Final 2025-26 Capital Budget is £917m, representing an increase of £63.4m from the 2024-25 opening budget. This recognises the importance infrastructure plays to everyday lives, contributing to addressing regional imbalance and delivering positive change for all as we invest for future generations. The opening Capital budget for structural maintenance stands at £68 million which falls significantly short of our funding requirements. This will allow the delivery of our highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability, and drainage projects. The Department has operated within a constrained Resource budget for many years and to help address historic underfunding additional funding has been allocated to essential maintenance and enhancing signs and lining and builds upon the existing level of service.”

Ms Noble acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2025-26 budget but reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering local transport improvements, safety schemes, and maintenance initiatives that boost road safety.

Ms Noble continued: 

“Last year, key resurfacing works were completed on Banbridge Road in Lurgan, Darkley Road in Keady and Moneyslane Road in Katesbridge. More recently, a carriageway resurfacing scheme was carried out on the Armagh Road in Keady. Other projects such as the installation of dropped kerbs and tactile paviours on the Mourne Road and Drumlin Drive in Lurgan have been completed.”

Continuing Ms Noble said: 

“Looking ahead to 2025/26, we are planning additional resurfacing projects for locations including Newry Road in Tandragee and Ballycrummy Road in Armagh. Pedestrian enhancements will also progress, such as the installation of a new puffin crossing on the Dungannon Road in Portadown, puffin upgrades at Francis Street and North Street in Lurgan along with several footway resurfacing schemes in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area at sites such as Moy Road in Armagh, Main Street in Loughgall and Fitzgerald and Ramone Park, Portadown."

“In our ongoing commitment to road safety, the Department is extending part-time 20mph zones to another 40 schools in 2025, bringing the total number implemented since 2020/21 to 273. I’m pleased to confirm that three of these new schemes are planned for the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area. This important initiative aims to make journeys to and from school safer for children, parents, and staff, and demonstrates our dedication to safer routes and stronger communities across the region.

In closing, Ms Noble said: “These projects the Department is delivering will bring significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area.”