Roads Service announces resurfacing works on A1 dual carriageway

Roads Service today announced plans to start resurfacing work on a section of the A1 dual carriageway in Co Down.

The resurfacing works are on the southbound section between Dromore and Banbridge and will run from 2 to 5 October 2009.

Mark McPeak, Roads Service’s Project Manager, said: “These essential works will strengthen this section of the A1 so that it can carry today’s very high traffic volumes, provide good skidding resistance and an improved running surface, and prevent the formation of surface defects thereby improving the safety and comfort of road users."

The works operations and traffic management arrangements have been carefully programmed to minimise inconvenience to the travelling public, local residents and business. However some disruption will be unavoidable.

Mr McPeak said: “The work has been scheduled to take advantage of reduced traffic flows and will be restricted to weekend and overnight working. However, some delays will be inevitable and we would ask that motorists be patient as these essential works progress.”

For safety reasons, it will be essential to close the A1 southbound between Halfway Road and Graceystown Road throughout the duration of the works. However a contra-flow will be in operation on the northbound carriageway to allow one lane open in each direction. Full A1 road closure is as follows: Southbound closure and northbound contra-flow from midnight on Friday 2 October 2009 until 6am, at the latest, on Monday 5 October 2009

Notes to Editors:

1. The exact dates and times of the A1 closures for resurfacing works will depend on weather conditions and scheme progression and therefore could be subject to change.

2. Details of all the closures and other lane restrictions are available to view on the Traffic Watch website: www.trafficwatchni.com.

3. For further information on the A1 resurfacing work the public can contact the road operator, Amey Inter Urban, on 028 38 317010

4. All media queries should be directed to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0887. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.