£225k resurfacing work at Leitrim

£225k resurfacing work at Leitrim

19 February 2020

WORK is underway on a £225,000 resurfacing scheme at the Leitrim Road outside Castlewellan.

A 1,300 metre section of road between the McCartan’s Road and Dolly’s Brae junctions is being resurfaced.

News of the scheme has been confirmed by Stormont infrastructure minister, Nichola Mallon.

She said that she wants any investment in roads to reflect the need across the entire network and is pleased that this particular scheme will greatly enhance the road surface and better connect the local community and visitors to the area for many years to come.

During the resurfacing work, the road will be closed between 8am and 6pm from Monday to Friday until March 13.

Diversions will be in place via Dolly’s Brae and the Magheramayo and McCartan’s roads. The Leitrim Road will be open to traffic in the evenings during the week and all weekend.

The Department of Infrastructure says that it has programmed the resurfacing work and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, but warns that drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when planning any journeys.

Confirmation of the Leitrim Road scheme has been welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and SLieve Croob councillor Hugh Gallagher.

Mr McGrath said the resurfacing scheme represents significant investment in a rural area. 

He continued: “There has been concern for some time among many people in South Down that there is a regional disparity between how much investment rural areas have received compared to the more urban counterparts.

“I am absolutely delighted that infrastructure minister Nichola Mallon is working to alleviate that.  When the Assembly was restored I spoke about how she would work to connect communities. In this instance that is literally what she is achieving. This is win for everyone.”

Mr McGrath said he looked forward to the completion of the Leitrim Road scheme and asked drivers to be patient as work progresses and use the diversions that will be in place.

Cllr Gallagher said while Slieve Croob is a “most beautiful area”, if roads are not up to scratch, no one will enjoy the location.

“This resurfacing scheme is about more than just making the road fit purpose. It can act as a driver for future investment in this area.”