Delight work begins on £400k scheme to improve Saintfield

Delight work begins on £400k scheme to improve Saintfield

15 October 2025

WORK started on Monday on a scheme to upgrade a busy junction in Saintfield town centre where three roads converge.

The work is part of a £400,000 Department for Infrastructure investment in the town and Newry to upgrade traffic signals and existing pedestrian crossings are also to be upgraded.

New traffic technology is being installed at the Belfast Road, Main Street and Todd’s Hill junction in Saintfield, with details of the new investment confirmed just over two weeks ago when divisional roads officials addressed local politicians at a meeting of Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

Traffic signals will be overhauled using new technology designed to optimise traffic flow and greatly enhance pedestrian safety and access.

The investment has been welcomed by Rowallane councillors Callum Bowsie and David Lee-Surginor.

Cllr Bowsie said Saintfield is becoming increasingly slow to drive through and that over the past number of years, he has noticed traffic – particularly in the mornings – has been backing up beyond the chapel at the Crossgar Road and from other directions. 

In January last year he requested a traffic light survey at the busy junction revealed the existing system “was well below the optimal standard”.

Cllr Bowsie said the work is scheduled to take six weeks to complete and is due to be completed on November 21.

“Roads officials have advised that delays are expected during this time due to lane closures, but the roads will remain open at all times,” he added.

Cllr Lee-Surginor said he “very much welcomes” the investment in the Saintfield upgrade.

“The investment will not only improve traffic flow, but also enhance pedestrian safety, making the town centre safer and more accessible for everyone,” he said.

“I will continue to engage with the Department for Infrastructure to ensure that the works are delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption to residents and local businesses.”

DfI minister Liz Kimmins said the substantial investment will ensure residents and road users who travel through the junctions in Saintfield and Newry will continue to benefit through the significant safety benefits.

She said the schemes also demonstrates her commitment to improving and maintaining the road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. 

The roads department has confirmed that a series of single lane closures will be introduced for the duration of the works from Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 4.430pm.

Ms Kimmins also suggested there may be occasions when full road closures are required to complete the work, but these will be arranged at quieter times to minimise disruption and the public will be notified in advance.

The DfI is requesting that in order to help ensure the safety of road users and road workers the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with care when travelling through, or in the vicinity, of the works.