£800,000 Resurfacing and Pedestrian Crossing Scheme for Newry

A major public realm and road improvement scheme worth over £800,000 is underway on New Street and Canal Quay in Newry city centre, with work expected to be substantially complete by 1 March 2026.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins and Communities Minister Gordon Lyons have announced the commencement of the scheme, which will see the installation of a new toucan-controlled crossing on the A25 New Street. A significant part of the funding for the scheme has been made available by the Department for Communities.

The work will involve asphalt resurfacing of the full length of New Street, from the roundabout beside Newry Courthouse to its junction with Canal Street, covering a distance of 290 metres. Canal Quay will also be resurfaced from its junction with New Street to its junction with Erskine Street, a distance of 170 metres.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons said his 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. He added that the improvements will deliver a new safe crossing point and upgrade surface conditions to enhance the route's suitability for walkers, runners and cyclists. Minister Lyons said the investment will increase active travel from the Newry Canal Walkway towards the Newry Towpath, making it a safe, accessible and vibrant sustainable travel corridor.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins described it as a substantial investment for the Newry area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users. She said the investment demonstrates her commitment to improving the road network, which is vital for connecting businesses and communities. Minister Kimmins said the 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. She thanked residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while the essential infrastructure work is carried out.

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme, daily lane closures will be in place 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, with these dates and further information to 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.

Newry City Councillor, Cllr Valerie Harte described the scheme as a major delivery for Newry and its communities, saying they have been lobbying DFI for a number of years for a crossing at this very busy part of the city. She said it is great to see that now becoming a reality.

Cllr Harte said it is a hugely positive investment, with the new toucan crossing and resurfacing works set to improve safety, accessibility and the overall quality of the area for pedestrians and road users.

She commended her Sinn Féin colleague, Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins, for the delivery of the important scheme for Newry. Cllr Harte said Minister Kimmins continues to show that she is focused on getting real results for local communities.

The councillor added that the joint scheme also shows the value of effective partnership working between government departments. She said Sinn Féin is committed to driving investment into local communities and delivering practical improvements that make a real difference.

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 at www.trafficwatchni.com.