Car park stays open during road project

Work on the Gospel Lane link road was due to start yesterday (22 September).

Last week the Leader revealed that work is finally to begin on the new link road in Banbridge, which will represent the largest road scheme in the town centre in many years.

The £500,000 scheme which is being jointly funded by the Department of Regional Development and Banbridge District Council will see a new road built off Bridge Street to the Rathfriland Road.

A spokesperson for DRD said that whilst significant portions of the work are being carried out off the road, it is necessary to form temporary walkways to facilitate pedestrian access and access to the car park will operate at times under traffic control.

They commented: “We would advise the public to take extra caution when they are close to the works as there are significant works being carried out in an urban environment and we are keen to maintain access to the local facilities as far as possible.

“This requires the construction of temporary walkways and footpaths.

“It will also mean that parking along Gospel Lane will not be possible during the works to allow sufficient road width to accommodate access and carry out the work safely.

“However, the car park will remain open at all times except for an evening/Sunday closure for resurfacing towards the end of the scheme.”

Whilst the Department’s resource budget for activities such as routine maintenance is severely reduced, funding for this scheme is from the capital budget for major projects and new road schemes which is less affected by the current pressures.

“This is a significant capital investment in the infrastructure in Banbridge,” said Transport Minister Danny Kennedy.

The new link road has also been welcomed by local councillors.