Construction works have commenced on the new Newtownards to Bangor (Green Road) Greenway.

The 5.4km route will help to better connect the town of Newtownards with the city of Bangor by providing a new safe route for those who want to walk, wheel or cycle.

The new Greenway includes three and four-metre-wide paths, pedestrian/cycle railing, fencing, lighting and planting. Construction is expected to take around 12 months. 

The route is being progressed in two stages, both of which will be delivered by contractor Charles Brand Limited. These are:

• Newtownards to the Somme Museum - The route will begin at Belvedere Road, Newtownards and follow the former railway track, in the most part, to the Somme Museum. 

• Somme Museum to Green Road Bangor - This route will pass the Ark Open Farm and then turn off-road in a north-easterly direction following the former railway line and field boundaries, in the most part, to Green Road, Bangor.

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The scheme represents an investment of £5.6M in green infrastructure in Ards and North Down and is being funded by the Department for Infrastructure, the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund and the Council. 

The DfI Minister John O'Dowd has welcomed the progress made to be able to start work on the scheme.

He said: "I am delighted that my Department could contribute £2.8m to deliver this greenway project between Bangor and Newtownards.

"By investing in greenways and active travel infrastructure we are giving more realistic options for people to think about how they travel, particularly for shorter everyday journeys."

He continued: "Once completed this greenway will provide a safe alternative route for those who choose to leave the car at home and use it to travel to work or to study, to shop, to visit family and friends or simply just for leisure.  

"By making small changes such as choosing to walk, wheel or cycle we can all make a big difference in beating congestion, reducing our carbon footprint and improving our physical and mental wellbeing."

For more information on greenways in Ards and North Down, visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/greenways.