Around £7.5m is to be invested in roads infrastructure in the Newry and Mourne area, it has been announced.

Discussing on-going schemes in district, the Transport Minister Conor Murphy said construction works on the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue has continued throughout the year, which has seen earthworks, service diversions and a number of major structures constructed.

"Of the 17 major structures one has been completed at the Glen Road and opened to traffic. Many other structures are at a well advanced stage and this scheme is programmed for completion in Autumn 2010," said the Minister.

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Development work is continuing on Strategic Road Improvement schemes in Southern Division, according to Mr Murphy.

He said consultants Scott Wilson have completed a feasibility study of the Newry Southern Relief Road.

"Road Service is now in receipt of this report and is currently considering the draft feasibility study," added the Minister.

Other schemes which will be progressed in the district this year include the A37 Concession Road at Ward’s Corner, Culloville. This scheme will provide better visibility along this stretch of the A37 and is currently ongoing.

Schemes already completed last year included B25 Rostrevor Road, Hilltown in which this scheme provided a footway between the town centre and Ardmore Park.

Also, the A29 Dundalk Road/Cullyhanna Road, Newtownhamilton scheme provided enhanced visibility along this main section of the A29.

Several other junction improvement schemes throughout the Newry and Mourne district area were also completed.

(PR/JM)