Department to keep an eye on Dublin Road traffic flow

In March an investment of £320,000 was announced to upgrade the traffic signals at the Drumalane junction of the A2 Dublin Road - Dominic Street / Bridge Street / The Glen / Drumalane Road, Newry.

The upgraded signals would “aid pedestrian safety, road user safety and traffic progression in and out of the city on this busy commuter route. The upgraded traffic signals will be able to operate under specialised software to help optimise traffic progression through this major traffic junction”.

At Stormont recently the Minister was asked by the SDLP’s Justin McNulty “to detail any immediate action her Department can take in relation to traffic light sequencing on the Dublin Road, Newry, to ease traffic pressures arising from her Department’s traffic signal upgrades in the area”.

Ms Kimmins stressed that her department “is committed to improving the road network to address safety and the needs of all road users”.

She added: “The project is expected to be completed by mid-May 2025, subject to the progress of the scheme and favourable weather conditions.

“Most of the work will be carried out during off-peak hours to minimise inconvenience to commuter traffic, although some disruption is inevitable to ensure the completion of this essential work.

“Officials were aware of the increased queues and have made an alteration to the traffic light sequences which has resulted in an improvement to the traffic flows at this junction. In the meantime, my Department will continue to monitor the site to manage traffic progression as work continues around this junction.”