A £560,000 carriageway resurfacing scheme for the B7 Crossgar Road in Ballynahinch has been announced by the Department for Infrastructure.

The works which will commence on Monday 25 March 2024 will include the asphalt resurfacing of a 1.9 kilometre stretch of the Crossgar Road from the Ballylone Road junction to the Drumaconagher Road junction.

Infrastructure Minister, John O'Dowd said:

"It is vital that all available capital budget within my Department is fully utilised to deliver much needed investment in our infrastructure, including on the maintenance of our roads. I have allocated an additional £1million to address potholes in this financial year and £8.1m to deliver resurfacing schemes to continue to address the poor condition of our road network.

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"This substantial investment of £560,000 for the Crossgar area will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users and demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling between Ballynahinch and Crossgar. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.

"I will continue to press for vital funding to ensure our roads are maintained to a high standard."

In order to facilitate the works a road closure will be in place from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, from 8 April to 31 May 2024. The road will be open to traffic overnight and at the weekends.

An alternative route will be signed with traffic being diverted via the following routes:

• For Ballynahinch Bound Traffic – B7 Ballynahinch Road, A7 Saintfield Road, Crossgar Road, A21 Main Street Saintfield, A21 Ballynahinch Road ,Saintfield Road, A24 Belfast Road, B7 Crossgar Road.

And

• For Crossgar Bound Traffic – B7 Crossgar Road, A24 Main Street Ballynahinch, A24 High Street / Church Road / Drumaness Road, B2 Downpatrick Road/Annacloy Road, A7 Belfast Rd /Downpatrick Road/Downpatrick Street, B7

Ballynahinch Road.

The works are expected to be substantially complete by Friday 31 May 2024.