Politicians have renewed demands for improved safety at Ford’s Cross in Silverbridge following another serious crash at the troublesome intersection.
Sinn Féin MLA Aoife Finnegan, and party colleague Councillor Áine Quinn, issued a joint call for urgent action at the junction, saying recent incidents highlight long-standing concerns over road safety.
“This latest incident brings attention to ongoing concerns around the safety of this crossroads,” Ms Finnegan said.
She added she plans to seek an immediate site meeting with the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) to explore “what practical steps can be taken to improve safety at this busy junction.”
With winter’s cold and dark conditions approaching, she urged motorists to take extra care when approaching the area.
Councillor Quinn said local residents had repeatedly raised alarm about Ford’s Cross and pledged that she and Ms Finnegan would work with relevant agencies to push for lasting improvements.
“We will engage the relevant bodies and work together towards solutions to improving safety,” she said.
Ford’s Cross has long been regarded as an accident black-spot. Over many years the junction, where roads from Newry, Crossmaglen, Newtownhamilton and Dundalk meet, has seen numerous vehicles lose control, crash into fields or collide with the memorial standing at the site.
Local campaigners have repeatedly called on the DfI to install improved signage, road markings, better lighting and even flashing warning lights to make the junction safer — especially for drivers unfamiliar with the rural layout.
Despite these calls, little has changed — and as recent events show, the junction remains dangerous.
Ms Finnegan and Councillor Quinn say it’s time for more than promises. They are calling on the DfI to conduct a full safety audit of Ford’s Cross — including a review of signage, road layout, speed limits, lighting, and visibility. Public consultation with local residents and road users is also being urged.
“We owe it to our community to ensure that no more lives are put at risk because of a dangerous road design,” said Ms Finnegan.
As winter approaches and visibility worsens, drivers in the area are being urged to approach Ford’s Cross with extreme caution — and to support the push for long-overdue safety improvements.
