O’Dowd announces £575,000 road improvement scheme for Newcastle Road, Kilkeel

The resurfacing scheme will involve the asphalt resurfacing of a 1.9 kilometre stretch of the Newcastle Road from a point 350 metres south of Council Road junction to a point close to the Ballykeel Road near Ballymartin.

The Infrastructure Minister said: “This is a substantial investment for the Kilkeel area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.

"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 in the Kilkeel area. Work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 21 March 2025. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement daily lane closures from 9:30am to 16:30pm, Monday to Friday, from Monday 13 January to Friday 7 February 2025.

A daytime road closure will be required to facilitate the final resurfacing works, which will commence from 9:30am to 16:30pm, Monday to Friday, from Monday 10 February to Friday 21 March 2025.

An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via the following route:

LGVs / Cars

Carrigenagh Rd, Head Road, and Quarter Road.

HGVs

Bridge Street, Newry Road, Killowen Road, Shore Road, Kilbroney Road, Rostrevor Road, Castlewellan Road, Hilltown Road, Dublin Road, Newcastle Road, Castlewellan Road, Shimna Road, Bryansford Road, Central Promenade, South Promenade, Ballagh Road, Glasdrumman Road, Kilkeel Road, Annalong Road and Newcastle Road.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience however, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access and Translink bus and school services throughout the scheme, 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.

Subject to favourable weather conditions, the works will be substantially complete by Friday 21 March 2025, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.

For more information about this and other improvement schemes visit: Trafficwatchni.com