Hazzard requests urgent repairs to B8 Kilcoo – Newry Road – Photo 1 of 1

Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has asked DFI Roads to urgently address the deteriorating condition of the B8 Kilcoo to Newry Road following a visible increase in the number of defects on the busy route.

The South Down MP says the B8 – which connects with the A25 towards Castlewellan and the wider east Down area is a “vital piece of local infrastructure which clearly requires resurfacing works in a number of locations.”

Mr Hazzard said:

“Connecting Newry, Mayobridge, Hilltown Kilcoo and the A25 towards Castlewellan, the B8 route is one of the busiest roads in the South Down area, yet unfortunately the road surface has deteriorated badly in several locations.

“In recent years we have secured significant improvements on this route – most notably in Hilltown with the resurfacing and installation of the pedestrian crossing; and the Ballydoo junction realignment scheme outside Mayobridge – which was great news for commuters and pedestrians alike.

“However stretches of the road between Mayobridge and Newry; and Hilltown and Kilcoo are in urgent need of resurfacing, with a variety of surface defects visible at both locations.

“Given the strategic importance of the route linking east and south Down, I have asked DFI Roads to look at addressing these issues as soon as possible.

Mr Hazzard added:

“As we continue to develop South Down as a great place to live, work, and visit we need to ensure our transport network is fit for purpose and meets the needs of an ever-changing world; this will continue to be a priority for Sinn Féin in the years ahead.”