WORK to improve the surface of the Downpatrick Road, Ballynahinch, is due to start next Monday (8 January).
The scheme is expected to be completed by the beginning of March. “The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of a 1.4 kilometre stretch of the Downpatrick Road from a location 250 metres west of the Mossvale Road junction to a point 300 metres east of the Magheralone Road junction,” explained a spokesperson for the Department for Infrastructure (DfI). “This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling between Ballynahinch and Downpatrick and is expected to be completed by Friday 1 March 2024.”
Drivers are also being advised that the road will be closed for a certain number of hours each day, from Monday to Friday, while the resurfacing scheme is completed. “To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement road closures from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, from Monday 8 January to Friday 1 March 2024,” the DfI spokesperson stated. The department added that the road will be open to traffic overnight and at the weekends.
The diversion for Downpatrick-bound traffic will be – A24 Drumaness Road/Newcastle Road, A25 Downpatrick Road/Ballydugan Road/Market Street/Church Street/New Bridge Street, A7 Belfast Road and B2 Annacloy Road.
For traffic travelling to Ballynahinch, the diversion will be: B2 Annacloy Road/ A7 Downpatrick Road/Downpatrick Street, B7 Crossgar Road, A24 Main Street Ballynahinch, A24 High Street/Church Road/Drumaness Road. “The department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions,” added the spokesperson. “Subject to favourable weather conditions all work will be completed by Friday 1 March 2024, however, the department will keep the public informed of any change. “All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.” For more information about this and other improvement schemes you can visit: www.TrafficwatchNI.com