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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that a £240,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme on B25 Rathfriland Road Hilltown will commence on Monday 5 January 2026.
The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of Rathfriland Road from Main Street Hilltown for a distance of 520 metres ending just north of Ballygorian Road junction. To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement a road closure from Monday 5 January to Friday 16 January 2026. The road will be closed daily between 9.30am and 4.30pm Monday to Friday, but will be open on evenings and at weekends.
An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via B8 Main Street, B8 Castlewellan Road, B8 Hilltown Road, A25 Castlewellan Road, B25 Hilltown Road and B25 Rathfriland Road.
The Infrastructure Minister said: "This is a substantial investment for the Hilltown 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 Hilltown area."
Work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 16 January 2026. Minister Kimmins added: "I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."
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 Friday 16 January 2026, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change. For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit Trafficwatchni.
