Confirmation has been given that work will start on a major £350,000 road improvement scheme in South Armagh next month.
The carriageway along the Newtown Road, between Belleeks and the Outlacken Road, is to be resurfaced.
The scheme is due to get underway from March 20.
The news has been described by local SF Councillor Barra O’Muiri as “very welcome”.
But he insisted that “much more work is required in the area”.
“We’re delighted to see this much needed and long overdue work finally begin,” he said.
“This is one of the major issues we’ve been hearing about from residents on the doorsteps. We listened to their concerns, promised we’d respond and we’re finally starting to see the fruition of that work.
“There will be traffic control measures and some local road closures while the work is taking place, which I understand will inconvenience people heading to or from Newtownhamilton or Newry, but I’d ask motorists to be patient and bear with it as this will have far greater long term benefits for the area’s infrastructure.
“While we’re delighted to see this work begin this is by no means the end of investment in the area. We have held a number of meetings over the past couple of weeks around concerns we have with other roads around the village.
“In particular I would like to see the Cold Brae Road widened, as well as resurfacing work on the Whiterock and Cluster Roads, both of which are in a disgraceful state.
“I will be continuing to campaign to ensure that all roads in the area are safe and fit for purpose.”
Read more news:
£1.1M Armagh Harps complex to start in autumn pending approval
PSNI warns against ‘legal highs’ after 12-year-old girls taken to A&E
Image gives first glimpse of Armagh’s £20,000 Brian Boru sculpture
Tandragee police station faces threat of closure
Teenager taken to hospital following county Armagh crash
Former Premiership star to train with Crossmaglen for reality TV show
Man knocked down in serious Armagh city accident
Fears for permanent closure of Armagh Minor Injuries Unit
In Pictures: Inside county Armagh’s most expensive house on the market
