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Proposals underway for an active travel route from the centre of Warrenpoint to the site of the Narrow Water Bridge will require a "reallocation of road space" along the route. That's according to Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins in reply to a question from South Down MLA Diane Forsythe.
The project being forwarded by the Department for Infrastructure is part of a plan to connect the town safely for cyclists and walkers with the existing Carlingford Lough Greenway.
Forsythe had tabled a question asking for an update on the proposed active travel and greenway scheme, following what she said were rumours circulating regarding plans to reduce the Newry Road out of Warrenpoint past the docks from four lanes to two for the project.
Forsythe said: "This is an incredibly busy road which already faces huge pressures, heavy vehicles and congestion. Reducing the number of lanes will have a huge impact, especially is [sic] the bridge brings the increase in visitors that many hope for.
"We have seen millions of pounds spent on these schemes whilst the roads are falling apart with severe potholes, like the scheme currently under development from Dundrum to Clough. Is this the best way to prioritise spending this money?"
In reply Minister Kimmins confirmed that proposals to improve pedestrian and cycling infrastructure on the A2 Newry Road between Warrenpoint and the new Narrow Water Bridge are currently being developed.
"This forms part of a broader initiative aimed at increasing active travel provision in the area to unlock benefits associated with improved connectivity to Newry and the Carlingford Greenway." she said.
Kimmins added: "These improvements will require a reallocation of road space along the corridor to provide safe, high quality cycling infrastructure. Officials are cognisant of concerns about the capacity of the road network, which will be considered as part of the design process."
The Minister has emphasised that there will be public engagement for the community, businesses, and other key stakeholders in the coming months.
