One of Armagh city’s most well-travelled but most hated roads could be in line for much-needed improvement in the very near future.
According to Acting Divisional Roads Manager for DfI’s Southern Division, Ms Cindy Noble, the Ballycrummy Road is included in carriageway improvement schemes scheduled to be carried out across the borough this year.
Ms Noble made the announcement at a recent full meeting of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.
The Ballycrummy Road – which runs between the main Killylea and Cathedral Roads – has for years been the gripe of local residents.
In 2018, the Department of Infrastructure (DfI) introduced a 30mph zone to help improve safety given the growth and developments in the area, as well as the comings and goings at the local Pearse Og GAA club.
Related: Department provides update on plans to fix ‘disgraceful’ Ballycrummy Road in Armagh
And while a section of the road sits on a floodplain and is prone to flooding, it’s the poor state of the road surface that causes the most annoyance, especially given the increased development in the area.
Among complaints, Armagh I have heard from residents that the area is generally dimly lit, there’s a lack of clear road markings, a littering of potholes – which some say they have burst tyres on – and traffic congestion which often occurs due to the road’s poor condition.
As the area continues to be built upon, the road continuously worsens.
However, in August 2023, hope was on the horizon. DfI announced that plans were in the pipeline to fix the “disgraceful” stretch of road… but said it was funds dependent.
Thankfully, Ms Noble has now confirmed that the scheme is included alongside improvements to the Newry Road and Tandragee Road, Armagh – all of which are to be completed this year.
