Busy junction in Saintfield set for major upgrade

Busy junction in Saintfield set for major upgrade

8 October 2025

A BUSY junction in Saintfield town centre where three roads converge is in line for a major upgrade which will feature new traffic light technology.

Plans to upgrade the Belfast Road, Main Street and Todd’s Hill junction were outlined by the district’s most senior roads official during a special briefing with Newry, Mourne and Down councillors on Monday night.

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

Details of the scheme were outlined by divisional roads manager, Cindy Noble, who provided an overview of the Department of Infrastructure’s roads maintenance programme during a meeting with local politicians last week.

A new puffin crossing is to be provided at the Dromore Road in Ballynahinch with a new pedestrian crossing proposed at Edward Street in Downpatrick.

Turning to the Department’s financial budget, Ms Noble said the Department’s final capital budget for this year is £917m, representing an increase of £63.4m from the 2024-25 opening budget. 

“This recognises the importance infrastructure plays to everyday lives, contributing to addressing regional imbalance and delivering positive change for all as we invest for future generations,” she said.

“The opening capital budget for structural maintenance stands at £68m which falls significantly short of our funding requirements. This will allow the delivery of our highest priority resurfacing projects, roadside stability and drainage projects.”

Ms Noble said the Department has operated within a constrained resource budget for many years and to help address historic underfunding, additional funding has been allocated to essential maintenance.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by the 2025-26 budget, the roads chief reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to delivering local transport improvements, safety schemes and maintenance initiatives that boost road safety.

“Last year, we completed key resurfacing works on Dublin Road in Kilcoo, Shore Road in Strangford and Newcastle Street, Kilkeel. 

“More recently, we completed a carriageway resurfacing scheme on Spa Road, Ballynahinch and in the current financial year are planning additional resurfacing schemes across the district including the Ballynahinch Road in Crossgar.”