14/05/2026
Major Resurfacing Project Announced for Castledawson Roundabout
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has confirmed that a £250,000 resurfacing scheme is set to begin at the A6 Castledawson Roundabout on Monday 18 May 2026. The project will also include a short stretch of the A54 Magherafelt Road.
Commenting on the upgrade, Minister Kimmins said: “This is a substantial investment for the Castledawson and Magherafelt areas which will deliver significant benefits for road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to investing in and improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the improvements, a series of road closures will be implemented during the following times:
• Monday 18 to Saturday 23 May: Night-time closures from 7 pm to 6 am.
• Sunday 24 May: Full daytime closure from 6 am to 7 pm.
While the roundabout will be closed during these windows, Translink services at the Castledawson Park & Ride site will continue to be facilitated during the night-time works. However, services at the Castledawson Park & Share will be suspended on Sunday 24 May. Passengers are advised to use alternative sites in Maghera or Toome during this Sunday daytime closure.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in operation:
• Northbound (towards Maghera/Derry): Diverted via B183 Hillhead Road, Knockloughrim Road, Hillhead Road, and Knockloughrim Link Road.
• Northbound (towards Magherafelt): Diverted via B183 Hillhead Road, B182 Hillhead Road, Blackpark Road, Creagh Road, and B18 Aughrim Road.
• Southbound (towards Belfast): Diverted via Knockloughrim Link Road, Hillhead Road, Knockloughrim Road, and B183 Hillhead Road.
• Magherafelt to Maghera: Traffic is advised to travel via Tobermore.
Furthermore, a specific closure will affect the A54 Magherafelt Road at the roundabout on Monday 25 May between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm, with local diversions in place.
While the Department has planned the works to minimise disruption, commuters are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys. The project is expected to be largely complete by Monday 25 May 2026, subject to favourable weather conditions.
Commenting on the upgrade, Minister Kimmins said: “This is a substantial investment for the Castledawson and Magherafelt areas which will deliver significant benefits for road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to investing in and improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities. I would like to thank residents, local businesses and commuters for their patience while this essential infrastructure work is carried out.”
To facilitate the improvements, a series of road closures will be implemented during the following times:
• Monday 18 to Saturday 23 May: Night-time closures from 7 pm to 6 am.
• Sunday 24 May: Full daytime closure from 6 am to 7 pm.
Clearly signed diversion routes will be in operation:
• Northbound (towards Maghera/Derry): Diverted via B183 Hillhead Road, Knockloughrim Road, Hillhead Road, and Knockloughrim Link Road.
• Northbound (towards Magherafelt): Diverted via B183 Hillhead Road, B182 Hillhead Road, Blackpark Road, Creagh Road, and B18 Aughrim Road.
• Southbound (towards Belfast): Diverted via Knockloughrim Link Road, Hillhead Road, Knockloughrim Road, and B183 Hillhead Road.
• Magherafelt to Maghera: Traffic is advised to travel via Tobermore.
Furthermore, a specific closure will affect the A54 Magherafelt Road at the roundabout on Monday 25 May between 9.30 am and 4.30 pm, with local diversions in place.
While the Department has planned the works to minimise disruption, commuters are encouraged to allow extra time for their journeys. The project is expected to be largely complete by Monday 25 May 2026, subject to favourable weather conditions.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Rather cloudy start with showers, perhaps some more persistent rain at first in far west. Becoming brighter with some long sunny spells developing, towards midday, the showers becoming lighter and less frequent. Fresh northerly winds, strong in coastal parts. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Some good spells of evening sunshine, and long clear spells overnight, with just a few showers around. Touch of frost possible in sheltered spots. Winds easing. Minimum temperature 2 °C.