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Footpath and cycle route will link Armagh and Milford – with work to start next week

Monaghan Road, Armagh

Work will start on Monday to construct a new footpath and cycle route between Armagh and Milford.

The scheme will take place in response to serious concerns over pedestrian safety.

It also follows the tragic death of 19-year-old Lesley-Ann McCarragher, who died after being struck by a car while jogging in the area in April last year.

Transport NI has now confirmed that the scheme – which will take six weeks to complete – will go ahead.

A temporary speed restriction will be in force, with work to get underway on Monday morning.

SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon said he was delighted the much-needed and much-wanted footway had been agreed.

He told Armagh I : “The footway will double up as a cycle path and is very much needed.

“The Monaghan Road is an extremely busy road and people regularly walk the route along the hard shoulder from Milford into Armagh.

“I previously sought to have a footpath created along the route but the request was knocked back by Roads Service.

“However, I asked them to look at this request again last November when I was approached by a young mother who was almost knocked down whilst out walking with her child in the pram.

“She was walking on the hard shoulder from Milford and, as she approached the edge of Armagh City, she noticed a car coming up the hard shoulder, undercutting a car which was stationary and waiting to turn right on to Umgola Road. She was afraid for her life and that of her baby son.”

Transport Minister Chris Hazzard has personally visited the scene to hear concerns.

And speaking this evening, Councillor O’Hanlon said: “Today I have received confirmation from Transport NI that a scheme has been agreed and works will commence on Monday morning.

“This is great news and will be warmly welcomed by those who walk the route regularly. Works are expected to take about six weeks, and whilst works are ongoing, temporary speed restrictions will be in place.

“There may be disruption, however I hope a safer route from Armagh to Milford will be well worth it.”

The temporary speed order will impose a 40 mph speed limit and prohibition of overtaking on the carriageway and hard shoulders of the – A3 Monaghan Road from a point approximately 60m South West of its junction with U7009 Umgola Heights to a point approximately 100m South West of its junction with C198 Hill Street, Milford.

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