Progress on £5.8Million investment In Newry and Mourne area

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £5.8million in the Newry and Mourne District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Newry and Mourne District Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is currently delivering the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue scheme which will provide 12km of high standard dual carriageway. Construction work within this scheme has continued throughout the year including earthworks, service diversions and a number of major structures. Of these structures one is completed and opened to traffic on the Glen Road. The realignment on the Cloghanramer Road has also been completed. The Beech Hill to Cloghogue scheme is programmed for completion in winter 2010.

“Other schemes that are ongoing in the Newry and Mourne Council area include A29 Dundalk Road / B135 Cullyhanna Road, Newtownhamilton. This road realignment will significantly improve sightlines and forward visibility. The scheme is in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and other routine maintenance works”.

At the meeting Road Service’s Network Maintenance Manager Arnold Hamilton welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Newry and Mourne Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Hamilton said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with the ongoing needs for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of strategic road improvements. We are also contributing to the work being led by the Department of the Environment, on the implementation of decisions arising from the Review of Public Administration, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly.''

"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Newry and Mourne Council area. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports,'' added Mr Hamilton.

Notes to Editors:

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