Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd has announced that work is now underway on a £800,000 pedestrian and cycling improvement scheme on the O’Neill Road, Newtownabbey.

The scheme will involve construction of 240m of shared footway on the four legs of the O’Neill Road roundabout and installation of four toucan crossings to improve pedestrian priority and safety around this busy junction, as well as resurfacing of the roundabout itself.  The work is programmed for week commencing Monday 4 March to Friday 28 June 2024.

Minister O’Dowd welcomed the scheme: “Walking and cycling are good for our physical and mental health and for the environment and as Minister I am keen to increase opportunities for active travel.  This investment in Newtownabbey will significantly enhance provision for cyclists and pedestrians in the area.  

“I would like to thank the travelling public and local residents in advance for their cooperation while the works are carried out.”

To facilitate the safe delivery of the scheme it will be necessary to implement lane closures on the O’Neill Road, Prince Charles Way and Church Road, Newtownabbey. Despite these lane closures two-way traffic will be maintained. Towards the end of the scheme, overnight closures will be required to allow the final resurfacing to be carried out safely.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience, however, road users should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the vicinity of the works and are asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions.