Northern Ireland

Newtownards: Work to begin on £400,000 road improvement scheme

Road closures will be in place over the next two weekends

A £400,000 road improvement scheme will begin on Friday
A £400,000 road improvement scheme will begin on Friday (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Work is set to begin on a £400,000 road improvement scheme in Newtownards, Co Down.

Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd said the carriageway resurfacing scheme on the A20 Portaferry Road will start on Friday.

It will involve the asphalt resurfacing of a 750-metre stretch of the route between the Old Shore Road junction and ‘The Maltings’.

Work is expected to be substantially completed by September 30 with road closures due to be in place over the next two weekends.

Northern Ireland Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd wrote to the chief constable asking the police to intervene
Stormont Minister for Infrastructure John O’Dowd. PICTURE: LIAM MCBURNEY/PA

Mr O’Dowd said: “This is a substantial investment for the Newtownards area which will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users.

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“The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our rural 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 on the Ards Peninsula.”

The weekend road closures, between Finlay’s Road and U126 Old Shore Road, will be from 7pm on Friday to 6am on Monday.



During these times there will be a signed diversionary route via Newtownards, Donaghadee, Millisle, Ballywalter, Greyabbey, although there will be local access for residents and emergency services.