Carla Lockhart MP Welcomes Progress on Banbridge Traffic Congestion Following Strong Lobbying Efforts

Carla Lockhart MP • October 22, 2024

Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed significant progress in tackling the traffic congestion at Church Square, Banbridge, following her persistent lobbying on behalf of local businesses, commuters, and residents.

The prolonged traffic issues, particularly during peak times at Castlewellan Road and Bridge Street, have been a major concern for the community. The problems were worsened by damage to several traffic detection loops during the ongoing Public Realm works. These loops are crucial for allowing the traffic signals to adapt to changing traffic levels in real time, and their impairment has resulted in increased delays.


However, in a welcome development, the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) has now confirmed that repair works are scheduled to begin next week. The DFI contractor will start recutting the detection loops, with a clear understanding of the urgency to complete the repairs as swiftly as possible to restore efficient traffic management in the area.


Commenting on the progress, Carla Lockhart MP said:


“I am delighted to share that we are making real headway in addressing the traffic problems at Church Square. This has been a source of frustration for local people, and I have been pushing hard for the Department to prioritise this issue. Following my strong lobbying efforts, it is great to see a commitment to repair the damaged detection loops quicker than first advised, which are essential for keeping traffic flowing smoothly.


The delays have been disruptive, particularly for those travelling during busy periods, but I am grateful for the patience shown by businesses, commuters, and residents while we worked to secure this solution. The repair works will take place this week, and I will continue to monitor the situation to ensure it is fully resolved.


I will keep up the pressure until we see traffic management restored to normal and will continue to stand up for the interests of our local community on this issue and others.”


The Banbridge Chamber of Commerce and local residents have also expressed their support for the planned improvements, recognising the positive impact efficient traffic flow will have on the town.


Further updates will be provided as the repair work progresses. In the meantime, motorists are advised to remain patient while these essential improvements are carried out.


Share

By Carla Lockhart MP June 26, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Westminster Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has tabled an Early Day Motion in the House of Commons opposing the enforcement of burdensome EU regulations on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 25, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Agriculture Spokesperson Carla Lockhart has strongly condemned the Government’s decision to impose “unnecessary, disruptive, and costly” EU requirements on the movement of used agricultural and forestry machinery from Great Britain to Northern Ireland. 
By Carla Lockhart MP June 25, 2025
Industry issues including NAP, bovine TB, inheritance tax and climate change were top of the agenda for MP Carla Lockhart, when she addressed this week’s ‘Defend Our Farms’ meeting in Fivemiletown. 
By Carla Lockhart MP June 25, 2025
Following the recent court ruling on the A5 road upgrade, Carla Lockhart MP has expressed serious concerns about the growing influence of radical green ideology on infrastructure development in Northern Ireland.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has described last week in Westminster as a “dark and devastating week” for the protection of life in the United Kingdom, following the passage of two deeply controversial legislative measure the decriminalisation of abortion to birth and the advancement of the Assisted Dying Bill.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised the outstanding Northern Ireland businesses who reached the UK finals of the Countryside Alliance Awards, held at the House of Lords, a celebration of excellence in rural enterprise known as the “Rural Oscars”.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has written to the Minister for Infrastructure seeking urgent clarification on whether the recent High Court ruling relating to the A5 scheme could impact progress on the long-awaited A1 upgrade project.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart has praised students from Banbridge Academy’s Politics class after a lively and engaging visit to Westminster this week, where they met with both Carla and Lord Dodds to quiz them on life in politics.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP and DUP Agriculture and Rural Affairs Spokesperson, Carla Lockhart has extended warm congratulations to Ballylisk of Armagh, a family-run artisan cheesemaker based in Portadown, after they scooped two Gold awards and a Bronze at the prestigious British Virtual Cheese Awards.
By Carla Lockhart MP June 24, 2025
Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, has welcomed the launch of this year’s Musical Instruments Programme by Communities Minister Gordon Lyons MLA a vital funding opportunity for local bands, music groups and individual musicians.
More Posts