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A £1 million resurfacing scheme on the A1 Dual Carriageway gets under way this Friday, 17 April, with a series of overnight and weekend closures planned up to Wednesday 29 April 2026.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins made the announcement today, confirming the works will focus on the southbound carriageway between the Rathfriland Road Junction and the Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. The majority of the work is scheduled for weekends and overnight to limit disruption where possible.
Minister Kimmins said: "This is a substantial investment for our major road network. The A1 carries thousands of vehicles per day including many cross border travellers. These essential resurfacing works will deliver significant benefits for all road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities."
Drivers should be aware of a number of planned closures and restrictions during the works.
- A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed overnight from 9pm on Friday 17 April 2026 until 6am on Saturday 18 April 2026 between the Dromore Road Junction and Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A diversionary route will be signed via A26 Dromore Road – A26 Dromore Street – A26 Church Square – U4147 Downshire Road – U4470 Downshire Place – B10 Scarva Street – U4469 Commercial Road – C351 Commercial Road – A26 Newry Road.
- A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed continuously from 6am Saturday 18 April 2026 to 6am on Monday 20 April 2026 between Newry Road off slip and Newry Road on slip (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A diversionary route will be signed via A1 Off Slip Road – A26 Bridgewater Roundabout – A1 On Slip Road.
- A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be closed each night from 9pm to 6am on Monday 20 April 2026 to Wednesday 29 April 2026 between Dromore Road Junction and Newry Road (The Boulevard Outlet) Junction. A diversionary route will be signed via A26 Dromore Road – A26 Dromore Street – A26 Church Square – U4147 Downshire Road – U4470 Downshire Place – B10 Scarva Street – U4469 Commercial Road – C351 Commercial Road – A26 Newry Road.
- A1 Banbridge By-pass South bound will be reduced to a single lane each day from 6am to 9pm from Tuesday 21 April 2026 until Tuesday 28 April 2026.
- A50 Old Manse Road Junction with the A1 Dual Carriageway will be restricted to left turns only continuously from 6am on Tuesday 21 April 2026 until 9pm on Tuesday 28 April 2026.
- A1/B10 Rathfriland Road On Slip Road will be closed continuously from 9pm Tuesday 21 April 2026 until 6.00 Wednesday 29 April 2026. A diversionary route will be signed via B10 Rathfriland Road – U4465 Kenlis Street – A26 Newry Road. Access will be maintained to the park & ride facility and local residents.
A temporary 40mph speed limit will be in place along the affected stretch, with overtaking prohibited for the duration of the works.
The Minister added: "I would like to thank all local residents, businesses and those who travel along the A1 for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out."
Completion by 29 April is subject to favourable weather conditions. Road users are advised to allow extra time for journeys and to follow the signed diversion routes. Up to date traffic information is available at Trafficwatch NI.
