Kimmins announces £635,000 road improvement scheme for Newry Road, Rathfriland
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced that a £635,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme has commenced.
The resurfacing scheme involves the resurfacing of the Newry Road, Rathfriland, commencing at Grocers Road to its junction with Greenhill Road, a distance of 1,450 metres.
Minister Kimmins said: “This is a substantial investment for the Rathfriland area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users.
“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our 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 Rathfriland area.
“Work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 3 April 2026.
“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 a daily road closure from Monday 9 February to Friday 20 February 2026 and Monday 9 March to Friday 3 April 2026. The road will be closed daily between 9:30 am and 16:30 pm Monday to Friday.
There will also be a continuous closure commencing on Monday 23 February to Saturday 7 March 2026 to repair a verge slippage within the length of the scheme.
An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via: A25 Newry Road, A25 Newry Street, A25 Main Street, A25 Downpatrick Street, B0025 Hilltown Road, A25 Castlewellan Road, B25 Rathriland Road, B8 Main Street, B8 Newry Road, B8 Hilltown Road, A25 Rathriland Road, A25 Finnard Road and vice versa.
The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience.
However, while steps have been taken to accommodate local access 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 3 April 2026, however the Department will keep the public informed of any change.
