Improvement of part of the major north-south road that links Belfast and Dublin has been highlighted.

The Stormont Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed NI Roads Service's progress on investment totalling £4.7million in the Banbridge District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister said: "Works are continuing on the A1 junctions which include Banbridge Road, Dromore; Dromore Road, Banbridge and Dublin Road, Loughbrickland.

"Construction work on all sites commenced in March 2008 and work on the Dromore Road, Banbridge is now substantially complete.

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"This junction was opened to traffic under temporary traffic management last September. Some finishing works are ongoing and it is anticipated the junction will be fully open by the end of the year," he said.

"In addition, a collision remedial scheme is now complete on the B3 Plantation Road at Shaw’s Corner. This scheme provides enhanced visibility and road alignment on this busy stretch of carriageway.

"Other works that are programmed to commence this financial year include the provision of warning signs and road markings at four locations under the Roads Service's 'Safer Routes to School' scheme.

"These schools are Banbridge Academy; Edenderry Primary School, Banbridge; St Mary’s Primary School, Rathfriland and St Matthew’s Primary School, Lietrim. A traffic calming scheme has been introduced at Newry Street, Rathfriland and similar works are planned for Seapatrick, Huntly Bridge and Ballygowan Road, Banbridge."

Acting Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Bertie Ellison said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcome comments from the council on its programmes."

(BMcC/KMcA)