Road Services continue to assess Southern Relief Road

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has congratulated Roads Service’s planned investment totalling £3.7million for maintenance schemes and operations in the Newry and Mourne District Council. 

Speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister said: “Assessment work is continuing on the proposed Newry Southern Relief Road. This will provide a link from the A2 Warrenpoint Road to the main A1 Belfast to Dublin dual carriageway. A feasibility study has recently been completed which will assist in the identification of a preferred corridor for this scheme.” 

"Last year’s budget for structural maintenance and local transport and safety measures allowed a good range of such schemes to be successfully delivered by Roads Service. 

“Roads Service’s budgets for road maintenance and improvement schemes are greatly reduced this year, in line with the four year budget agreed by the Executive. However, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services.

The Minister also welcomed Roads Service’s proposed programme for the year ahead on local transport and safety measures. These include delivering a 230m footway on the Glassdrumman Road, Creggan from the Castlerock development to St Brigid’s primary school. Also planned is the upgrade of traffic signal controls at Buttercrane Quay / Francis Street / Merchants Quay Junction, Newry and Merchants Quay / Monaghan Street Junction, Newry.

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager Kevin Monaghan welcomed last year’s record expenditure on structural maintenance which allowed Roads Service to deliver many much needed projects. A total of 45km of resurfacing was completed in the Council area. 

Road improvement schemes delivered last year included improved safety and traffic progression for motorists in the B7 Bridge Road with the Derryleckagh Road, Burren. In addition, new footways have been provided on the A2 Annalong Road, Ballymartin and over the Creggan River, Crossmaglen at Donaldsons Road. These schemes will significantly enhance safety for pedestrians in the area. A wide range of resurfacing schemes has also been delivered in the Newry and Mourne District Council area in 2011/12.