Scheme 1 - A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue, Newry

Objective:

To replace the final single carriageway section of the A1 Belfast to Dublin Key Strategic Route with a high standard dual carriageway.

The Proposal:
Work has commenced on the construction of this dual carriageway which will be just over 12 km long. There will be no gaps in the central reserve which will have a continuous central safety barrier. Access to the new dual carriageway will be restricted to strategically located flyover type junctions.

Description:
Work on this major improvement scheme has commenced and is being undertaken as part of Package 2 of Roads Service’s Design Build Finance and Operate programme. The scheme includes the construction of a number of substantial structures, the most significant of which are the bridge carrying the new dual carriageway over the Newry River, Newry Canal and A27 Tandragee Road, north of Newry and the bridge carrying the new dual carriageway over the Bessbrook River, the route of the former Bessbrook tram-way and Craigmore Road on the north-western outskirts of Newry. There will be 5 junctions on this stretch of dual carriageway

Sheepbridge Junction
This junction, towards the northern end of the scheme, includes a new flyover and will provide access between the new dual carriageway and Newry city centre and beyond, including the port of Warrenpoint.

Carnbane Junction
Located where the new dual carriageway crosses the A28 Armagh Road, a Trunk Road, and this junction includes a new underpass and a link road to the nearby A27 Tandragee Road, which is also a Trunk Road. In addition to providing access between the new dual carriageway and these 2 Trunk Roads, this junction also provides access to Newry city centre and the nearby Carnbane industrial estate.

Camlough Junction
A flyover type junction will be provided where the new dual carriageway passes over the busy A25 Camlough Road, providing access to Newry city centre and the nearby Daisy Hill Hospital.

Chancellors Road Junction
This junction includes a new underpass and provides access between the new dual carriageway and the local roads in this area; including Chancellors Road, Altnaveigh Road and Bernish Road, and the nearby Bernish view point.

Cloghogue Junction
Located near the southern end of the scheme, this junction includes a flyover which will carry the main road over an enlarged roundabout and will provide access between the new dual carriageway and Newry city centre, the port of Warrenpoint, and the B113 Forkhill Road.

Current Position:
Construction work to date has consisted of topsoil stripping, service diversions, fencing, earthworks and a number of structures. In the course of the topsoil stripping a number of potential archaeological features have also been identified. In the months ahead blasting of rock will also be required in the region north of Cloghogue roundabout. This will necessitate the closing of the Belfast Dublin Road for 20 minute periods.