Work is due to start on a £160,000 road improvement scheme on the Legacorry Road, Richhill.
The Department for Infrastructure has confirmed work will begin today, Wednesday, February 27,
It says the scheme aims to improve road safety and will enhance the road network by increasing forward visibility and horizontal alignment, as well as providing localised road widening.
Demolition work to remove existing agricultural buildings has already been completed.
Work is expected to be completed by the end of April.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: “In order to facilitate the works, traffic control will be in place from 27 February to 11 March and a full road closure of the Legacorry Road will be necessary from 11 March to 26 April.
“During this time traffic will be diverted via the A3 Armagh Road and the Corcreevey Road.
“Work has been carefully planned to minimise any disruption to the public, however, road users should expect some delays and additional time should be allowed when travelling in the area.”
Speaking to Armagh I earlier this month, Newry and Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin said he had tirelessly lobbied for the improvement works and is delighted his, and others’ safety concerns, are being listened to, especially following the tragic death of 20-year-old Shannon Weir in 2016.
“Hearing of this awful tragedy and meeting the late Shannon Weir’s family in the days following the accident was so heart-breaking,” Mr Irwin explained.
“Mr Weir sincerely asked me a public representative to see that something was done with this blind bend to reduce the risk for all motorists.
“I resolved within myself that I would pursue this issue on behalf of the Weir family and I have maintained a continual lobby with Transport NI on the matter.
“I am pleased that during each conversation with Transport NI staff that they fully understood the importance of this case and it is good to see that work has commenced to deal with this accident black spot.”
He continued: “I want to thank Transport NI for their work on this issue and I also want to expressly thank the local land owner who has permitted the works to take place and who also has seen the importance of the works in reducing risk at this corner.
“It is of course small comfort to the Weir family given that the road has already tragically claimed the life of a dear daughter who can never be replaced.
“However, it is important that other people are not subjected to this type of risk and indeed it is worth noting that a number of accidents have occurred since the tragedy.
“The improvements which will be carried out here on Legacorry Road will make a vast improvement and that will be welcomed for all road users and local residents.”
