The first phase of a combined footway and cycleway in Newry will begin on Thursday, January 6 as part of a scheme to make walking and cycling safer and more attractive.
It will be constructed along the A28 Carnbane Way and A27 Craigmore Way and will use 1,100 metres of existing hard shoulder.
The path will run from Damolly Roundabout to Custom Station Roundabout and continue along the A28 to Armagh Road (Fiveways) Roundabout/McCanns Corner.
The project will take approximately 10 weeks, with estimated completion in mid-March.
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said it was “part of her commitment to the delivery of active travel schemes across the north”.
“I am delighted that the new cycleway/footway being delivered by my department…will greatly enhance provision for pedestrians and provide further opportunities for active travel.
“I would like to thank local residents and businesses in advance for their cooperation and ask that they comply with all temporary traffic restrictions while these much needed works are completed.”
Road users are advised that some lane closures will be necessary and have been urged to take extra care in the vicinity of the works.
The department has apologised for any inconvenience and has thanked road users, in advance, for their patience during the construction process.
Meanwhile, work on a £400,000 upgrade to improve 5km of footway and cycleway around Craigavon Lakes has been completed to enable it to be brought back into service ahead of the Christmas break..
Minister Mallon said: “I am delighted that this shared footway and cycleway will be available for use over the Christmas period and I would encourage users to enjoy (it) within the current Covid regulations, during this welcome break.”
The improvement work involved the resurfacing and widening of the paths and associated drainage and signage.
Some line marking and signs on the route will be completed early in the New Year.
