Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has announced a £695,000 investment to resurface a 2.2-kilometre stretch of the B133 Maytown Road in Bessbrook, with works set to commence on Monday 1 June 2026. The scheme will be delivered in two phases, with initial preparatory works including drainage improvements scheduled for completion by the end of July.
Scheme Details and Timeline
The resurfacing project covers the B133 Maytown Road between McShane’s Road and the junction of C214 Kingsmill Road. Works will proceed in two distinct phases:
- Phase 1 (June–July 2026): Preparatory works including drainage repairs and improvements, carried out weekdays between 08:00 and 18:00 only
- Phase 2: Asphalt resurfacing works scheduled for later in 2026, with specific dates to be confirmed
Phase 1 is expected to be substantially complete by Friday 31 July 2026, subject to favourable weather conditions. Phase 2 resurfacing arrangements will be announced nearer the time.
Traffic Management and Diversions
To facilitate safe delivery of Phase 1 works, the road will close during weekday working hours only, remaining open evenings and weekends to minimise disruption. Commuters should still expect significant changes to regular routes.
During closure periods, traffic will follow a signed diversion via C214 Kingsmill Road, u5104 Tullywinney Road, B134 Tullyah Road, A25 Newry Road, A25 Newtown Road, A25 Old Road, A25 Main Street, A25 Camlough Road, B133 Millvale Road, and B133 Maytown Road.
The Department has stated that while steps have been taken to accommodate local access, road users should expect some delays and allow additional time for journeys through the Bessbrook area.
Minister’s Statement
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins emphasised the local benefits of the investment:
“This is a substantial investment for the Bessbrook area which will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users . The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. This work will greatly improve the strength and surface quality of this section of the road network to the benefit of local residents, businesses and those travelling in the Bessbrook area. Work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 31 July 2026. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
Budget Context and Outstanding Questions
This announcement comes amid ongoing budget pressures for the Department for Infrastructure. Divisional Roads Manager Cindy Noble noted in a recent council report that the opening capital budget for structural maintenance stands at £68 million, which “falls significantly short of our funding requirements.” While this £695,000 scheme demonstrates prioritisation of the Bessbrook area, the Department faces a reported £470 million capital backlog across the network.
Several details remain unclear from the announcement:
- The specific timing and duration of Phase 2 resurfacing works
- Whether Translink services will require diversion during the works period
- How emergency vehicle access will be maintained during weekday closures
- What specific drainage improvements are included in the preparatory phase
Questions for the Department
- When will the specific dates for Phase 2 resurfacing be announced, and how long is that phase expected to take?
- Given the weekday-only closure pattern, what provisions are in place to assist local businesses trading during peak summer months?
- How does the Department prioritise which roads receive resurfacing given the substantial gap between available funding and maintenance requirements?
- Will the diversion route impact traffic flow on the A25 Newry Road, and has this been coordinated with Newry, Mourne and Down District Council?
Road users can monitor progress and receive updates on this and other improvement schemes via TrafficwatchNI. The Department has committed to keeping the public informed of any programme changes as the work progresses.