MLA seeking Progress Report on Southern Relief Road

The proposed Southern Relief Road in Newry has been discussed by Newry and Armagh MLA, Justin McNulty and Divisional Manager of Transport NI Simon Richardson at a recent meeting. The MLA was reassured that the project is top of the list of priorities for captial programmes and spoke of how her regarded the relief road and the Narrow Water Bridge development as being inextricably linked.

Mr McNulty explained, ‘Newry City Centre at peak times is like one large car park, it is a nightmare to get through and there have long been proposals to develop the Southern Relief Road, which would link the A1 Belfast to Dublin Road to the A2 Warrenpoint dual carriageway.  This development would have a significant economic impact to Newry and the wider region and I am delighted that progress has been made in recent months.’

‘The project is co-funded by the European Union and would remove much of the heavy-duty traffic which currently goes through Newry City Centre to Warrenpoint Harbour.  The development would undoubtedly ease traffic congestion thereby improving the Newry experience for residents, commuters and visitors, and it would unlock the huge potential for Warrenpoint Harbour. It would create many jobs and be a real boost to this region.’

‘This week I met with the Divisional Roads Manager and pressed him for progress on this project.  A considerable amount of work has taken place already on this project and in the coming months a definitive route will be finalised.  Whichever route is finalised, it will involve some extensive engineering works as the project works its way to conclusion and the needs and views of the local community will be imperative in shaping that route.’

‘Having met with Mr Richardson, I am reassured that the project is top of his list of priorities for capital programmes in the period ahead and reassured him of my continued firm support for the project.  This project and the proposed Narrow Water Bridge development are both inextricably linked and I want to see progress made on that project as well. I will continue to engage with Mr Richardson and his officials in the time ahead.’