Residents have been warned to expect “major disruption” when a large section of road in a Co Armagh town will be closed during weekdays as part of a resurfacing scheme.
DUP MP Carla Lockhart issued the warning as the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced the works on the A26 Banbridge Road in Lurgan will begin on Tuesday and last for over three weeks.
The carriageway resurfacing will cost £418,000 to complete.
The DfI said the road, which is home to thousands of residents, will be closed weekdays from 9.30am to 4.30pm from Tuesday until Friday, January 31.
Just over one kilometre of road will be resurfaced from the Fair Winds housing development to 13 Waringstown Road.
The DfI said access during the closures will be permitted for residents and emergency vehicles.
A diversion will be in place via the A26 Waringstown Road, A26 Main Street, A26 Banbridge Road, A26 Tullyrain Road, A50 Banbridge Road, A26 Lurgan Road, A52 Banbridge Road, A50 Dunbarton Street, A50 Lurgan Road, B3 Plantation Road, B3 Gilford Road.
Ms Lockhart said the diversion route being used is already part of the gritted network.
“It is great to finally get the Banbridge Road, Lurgan, resurfaced but if you travel this road daily you will experience major disruption,” she said.
She added: “Diversion routes will add journey time but I have been assured that the shortest A and B class routes suitable to carry the volume and nature of the traffic have been used.”
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said the resurfacing project is a substantial investment for the Lurgan area which will “deliver significant benefits for residents and road users”.
“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities,” he said.
“I would like to thank residents, local businesses, and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
A spokesperson for the DfI said: “The department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience.
“Access will be available to residents and emergency vehicles only.
“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, January 31 2025, however the department will keep the public informed of any change.”
News Catch Up – Friday 3 January