The Regional Development Minister has announced the approved road line for the A24, Ballynahinch bypass scheme.

Following a public consultation and exhibition Roads Service has considered the views of the public and approved the preferred line of the bypass which will include a junction at the B7 Crossgar Road.

The line will run from the junction of the A24 Belfast Road and A21 Saintfield Road, which is north of the town, to the junction of the A24 Drumaness Road and B2 Downpatrick Road, south of the town, a distance of approximately 3.1 km.

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Speaking at a debate in the Assembly, the Danny Kennedy said: "The preferred line for the A24 Ballynahinch bypass has been decided after consideration of comprehensive environmental, engineering and economic assessments as well as comments from the public and subsequent representations, including requests for a junction at B7 Crossgar Road."

The scheme will involve substantial earthworks to traverse the drumlin topography and ground conditions that exist along this route, which includes the floodplain of the Ballynahinch River. Three substantial structures will be required where the route crosses Moss Road, Crossgar Road and the Ballynahinch River.

Traffic modelling for the scheme indicates that a substantial proportion of the traffic passing through the town on the existing A24 Trunk road may be expected to use a new bypass and it would make a significant contribution to the improvement of traffic conditions in the town centre.

(CD/GK)