Members of the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon (ABC) Borough Council have received an update from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) regarding road maintenance and improvement works planned for the area during the 2024/25 and 2025/26 financial years.

Divisional Roads Manager Cindy Noble addressed the Council on Monday, 27 October 2025, providing details on the DfI's budget allocation. The DfI's final 2025-26 Capital Budget stands at £917 million, an increase of £63.4m from the previous year.

Ms Noble acknowledged that while the increase is welcome, the opening Capital budget for structural maintenance of £68m "falls significantly short" of the Department's overall funding requirements. This means the budget will be focused on delivering only the highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability, and drainage projects.

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Ms Noble reaffirmed the DfI's commitment to delivering local transport improvements, safety schemes, and maintenance initiatives.

Looking ahead to 2025/26, the DfI is planning several new construction projects across the borough:

• Resurfacing Projects: Planned for locations including Newry Road in Tandragee and Ballycrummy Road in Armagh.

• Pedestrian Enhancements: The installation of a new Puffin crossing on the Dungannon Road in Portadown, with Puffin upgrades planned for Francis Street and North Street in Lurgan.

• Footway Resurfacing: Schemes are planned for sites such as Moy Road in Armagh, Main Street in Loughgall, and Fitzgerald and Ramone Park in Portadown.

The Department also confirmed that key works completed last year included resurfacing on Banbridge Road in Lurgan, Darkley Road in Keady, and Moneyslane Road in Katesbridge.

Road Safety Commitment

In an ongoing commitment to road safety, the DfI is extending part-time 20mph zones to another 40 schools in 2025, bringing the total number implemented since 2020/21 to 273. Ms Noble confirmed that three of these new schemes are planned for the ABC area.

Ms Noble concluded that the projects being delivered will bring "significant benefits to both the local community and commuters" in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon area.