Road users travelling between Newry and the Armagh area are being warned to allow extra time as a £265,000 resurfacing scheme gets under way on the A27 Shepherds Way Roundabout and Shepherds Way.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins announced the work on 26 August 2026. The scheme is due to begin on Sunday 30 August and will cover the complete Shepherds Way Roundabout, Shepherds Way and the link road to the A27 Tandragee Road Roundabout.
When closures will be in place
A daytime closure on Shepherds Way is planned for Sunday 30 August, from 7am to 7pm. Overnight closures will then operate from Sunday 30 August until Friday 11 September, between 8pm and 6am each night.
The Department for Infrastructure said the traffic-management arrangements had been planned to minimise inconvenience, but warned that delays were still likely. Local-access arrangements will be maintained where possible, while drivers are asked to follow temporary restrictions and allow additional time for journeys in the area.
Subject to favourable weather, the work is expected to be substantially completed by Friday 11 September 2026. The Department said it would keep the public informed if the programme changed.
Signed diversion routes
Drivers using the Shepherds Way Link Road will be diverted via the A1 Newry bypass, A28 Armagh Road, A1 Armagh Road and A27 Tandragee Road.
Two diversion options have been set out for the Shepherds Way and Tandragee Road Roundabout. The first uses the A1 Newry bypass, A27 Newry bypass, A27 Tandragee Road, A1 Tandragee Road, B114 Tannyoky Road, A27 Newry Road, A27 Church Street, A27 Chapel Street, B114 Meeting Street, B2 Ballyvally Road, A28 Gosford Road and A28 Armagh Road.
The second route directs traffic from the A28 Armagh Road via the A1 Armagh Road and A27 Tandragee Road.
The Minister described the project as a substantial investment for the Newry area, saying it would improve the strength and surface quality of the road for residents, businesses and people travelling locally. She also thanked residents, businesses and commuters for their patience while the work is carried out.
Further information on the scheme and other road improvement works is available through TrafficWatchNI.