Speaking on the matter Carla Lockhart said, “this was a long haul with a couple of false dawns. It was very challenging especially in the first couple of months because of unforeseen delays owing to bad weather and the availability of contractors. I am delighted that after much pushing for the these works to be completed the road has now re-opened and it is in a much safer condition than before the incident with the collapse of the bridge. The works were extremely specialised and took longer than first anticipated owing to additional problems uncovered by NI Water in the vicinity.

This re-opening has been welcomed by residents in the area owing to other roads, such as the Old Mill Road having been used as an unofficial diversionary route. As a result there are many roads needing repair. I have already asked for an assessment of these roads and for them to be prioritised given the volume of traffic they have carried in recent months.

Thank you to DFI for their efforts and their communication. It was much appreciated. Also thank you to residents and the local schools for their patience.”