FERMANAGH motorists are facing a tough month ahead with diversions and delays expected due to improvement works on two busy local roads.
The main Lisnaskea to Cavan road has been closed at Wattlebridge since Monday this week for much-needed improvement works. The road between Derrylin and Kinawley has also been closed at Stragowna for resurfacing works since Monday.
While the Derrylin works are expected to be finished by the end of the week, the Wattlebridge works will last for the rest of the month. The Department of Infrastructure has warned, however, both projects are weather dependent and may take longer depending on conditions.
Last month there the Council was warned that, if something wasn’t done to improve its condition, the Wattlebridge Road could be forced to close over the winter. The road carries a high volume of crossborder traffic and is a route favoured by many motorists travelling from the North-west to Dublin.
However, divisional roads manager David McKinley has since written to the Council stating site investigations had revealed conditions on the road were “better than had been anticipated.”
This month’s planned project will now involve reconstructing 0.2km of the Wattlebridge Road, but will require the entire road to be closed from 8am until 6pm, Monday to Friday for the rest of the month. There will be diversions signposted from the junction of Bridge Street and Main Street in Newtownbutler, which will take motorists onto the Clones Road and via the A3 Cavan Road.
The Stragowna Road, between Derrylin and Kinawley, will be also be closed from 8am until 6pm for the duration of the works, which are expected to be finished by the end of the week, though this is weather dependant.
Diversions will be in place for north-bound traffic at Derrylin, via the Newbridge Road, to Main Street Lisnaskea, the Lisnagole Road, then taking Enniskillen-bound motorists on the A4.
Regarding both projects, the Department said delays should be expected.
“Access for emergency vehicles and residents will be maintained at all times,” said a spokesman. “While the Department has carefully planned these works and associated traffic management arrangements in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public, motorists should expect some delays and allow additional time when planning any journeys.”
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