SDLP elected representatives Colin McGrath MLA and Cllr Laura Devlin have voiced concern about safety at the junction leading into the Tesco store on the Castlewellan Road in Newcastle. They said they have been contacted again by local residents who are worried about “the increasing number of near misses and ongoing congestion issues” at the busy junction.
“People using this junction every day are becoming increasingly frustrated and concerned about safety,” stated Mr McGrath. “We are hearing repeated reports of confusion from drivers indicating too early on the Castlewellan Road, with some motorists believing vehicles are turning into the Burrendale estate rather than the Tesco entrance. That uncertainty is creating unnecessary risk for both drivers and pedestrians.
“The volume of traffic exiting the Tesco site can already cause delays and frustration, and residents feel the current layout is no longer adequate for the level of use this junction now experiences. There are also growing concerns around pedestrian safety, particularly for people trying to cross the road in a very busy traffic environment.”
Cllr Devlin said a fresh assessment of the junction is now needed. “We understand this issue has been examined previously, but given the ongoing complaints and continued safety concerns, we believe it is important that the Department for Infrastructure carries out an updated assessment of the junction and considers what further mitigations may now be appropriate,” she added.
“While the Tesco site itself is privately owned, there is clearly a wider public road safety issue here that cannot be ignored. Local people are rightly concerned that this area is becoming a hotspot for accidents or serious incidents, and we want to see proactive action taken before someone is hurt.”
The SDLP representatives said they will be engaging with the Department for Infrastructure to establish whether any further traffic assessment has taken place and to press for additional safety measures to be considered.
