Following a major £6 million investment, Downshire Bridge (The Cut) in Banbridge is set to reopen with a new road layout.

The changes, designed to improve pedestrian accessibility and traffic flow, will come into effect from 7pm on Sunday, November 17th, 2024.

To facilitate the implementation of the new layout, road resurfacing and other works will be carried out overnight from 7pm on Saturday, November 16th, to 7pm on Sunday, November 17th. This approach aims to minimise disruption to the town centre during peak hours.

The completion of this project marks a significant improvement to the local infrastructure and is expected to enhance the overall experience for both residents and visitors to Banbridge.

The key changes coming into effect from Sunday 17th November 2024 will be:

• The introduction of two 'Give Way' signs and road markings at the top of Newry Street and Bridge Street. This means drivers should stop and give way on their approach up the legs of 'The Cut'.

• The traffic priority will now be for vehicles moving through Scarva Street and Rathfriland Street.

• The existing pedestrian crossing on Scarva Street has been moved closer to the junction with Bridge Street.

• A second pedestrian crossing on Rathfriland Street, close to Houston's/Menary's shop corner which aims to create a safer street crossing for pedestrians in this area.

Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Councillor Sarah Duffy said: "As public realm works near completion it is great to see the positive impact this significant investment has had to Banbridge Town Centre. With new and improved pavements and footpaths, feature lighting and street furniture this project has not only created a high-quality and better-connected streetscape, it has strongly focused on improving safety and accessibility for all users to create a safer environment for everyone.

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"The remaining works will introduce changes surrounding the Downshire bridge with priority for pedestrians, as well as improving the junctions for vehicles and traffic flow across the bridge. I understand it will take time to adjust to the new layout and I encourage everyone to embrace the changes recommended to improve this area and make it safer for everyone."

During the initial design stages of the public realm scheme, extensive consultations were undertaken with a range of user groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Section 75 groups, such as RNIB, Guide Dogs UK and the Older People's Alliance. The Department for Infrastructure advised that the junction at The Cut should be improved to adhere to new guidance.

An audit was carried out by Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), which identified the junction as a particularly unfriendly environment for pedestrians.

Michael Larimor, from IMTAC, who completed the audit report on Banbridge commented: "In our original report about the area around the bridge we described the layout as an unfriendly environment for most pedestrians but completely inaccessible for many disabled people. The new road layout goes a long way to addressing these issues.

"The simple change of road priority requiring users of the bridge slip roads to give way immediately makes pedestrians crossing at junctions safer. This coupled with two zebras providing pedestrians with priority crossing across Scarva Street and Rathfriland Street changes the nature of the bridge area completely, giving a much greater priority to pedestrians in the area. The improved sight lines and the reinstatement of kerbs, coupled with the changes in road priority makes the entire area safer and more accessible for disabled people in particular."

New road layout signage will be in operation to make drivers and pedestrians aware of the changes and to remind them to approach with caution until users become familiar with the new road layout.

To find out more information about the public realm scheme and to view a video animation of the new road layout and changes coming into effect on Sunday 17th November 2024, please visi www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/banbridgepublicrealm