Ballynahinch road work is welcomed by local councillor

Ballynahinch road work is welcomed by local councillor

28 May 2025

WORK on a £233,000 resurfacing scheme at the Spa Road in Ballynahinch started on Monday morning.

Stormont roads minister, Liz Kimmins, has confirmed that a 550-metre stretch of the road 

extending from the junction of the Grove Road to the 30mph sign will be upgraded and that diversions will be in operation.

She said the substantial investment will deliver significant benefits for residents and road users who travel through this area.

In addition, the DfI minister said the investment demonstrates her commitment to improving the road network which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities.

And Ms Kimmins thanked residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”

Slieve Croob councillor, Alan Lewis, has welcomed the start of work on the resurfacing scheme.

He said that when first elected he committed to working for the resurfacing and improvement of all roads into Spa.

“The Spa Road resurfacing was originally planned for 2021 but, unfortunately, with Covid and the nationwide shut down, it fell down the list of priorities,” Cllr Lewis explained.

“The road is in a bad state of repair. There are numerous defects, major subsidence on the footpath and kerbs on each side of the road and I have engaged with the DfI, articulating residents’ concerns and believe these issues can be resolved when the work is undertaken.”

Cllr Lewis said the Spa Road is also a popular walking route and confirmed he has asked for it to be upgraded and resurfaced in its entirety.

“While there will be some disruption, lane and road closures, I would ask people to follow the designated diversion routes,” he said.

Cllr Lewis said he has also been engaging with roads officials on proposals to see further works on the Ballymaglave Road with work ongoing to allocate funds to pave the way for work to be carried out.

He added: “I’m committed to lobbying for the improvement of our rural roads, ensuring they are safer, upgraded with urgent repairs and priority is given to fix the most serious defects.”

To facilitate the Spa Road scheme, weekday lane closures will be implemented to facilitate drainage and kerbing works part of the road upgrade between the hours of 9am and 5pm.

In addition, a full road closure will be required to facilitate carriageway re-surfacing works between Monday, June 2 and Friday, June 30, 9am to 4.30pm. 

The road will be open over-night and weekends.

Diversions will be in place via the Drumaness and Newcastle Road, Main Street and the Demesne, Edendarriff and Dunmore roads.

Other diversions will be in place via the Grove, Church and Dromore roads and Dromore Street, High Street and Church Street.

The roads department says it has carefully programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience.

It’s hoped work on the scheme will be completed by June 20.