This is one of four junctions being upgraded on the A1 over the period 2007-09 as part of a single package. The Banbridge Road forms the southern access to the town of Dromore, which sits on the eastern side of the A1 at this point. On the other side of the dual-carriageway is the unclassified Rowantree Road. As with all at-grade junctions on the A1, the main problem is the danger involved in turning right across such a busy road, a problem which causes accidents and delays.

The project involves the construction of an underpass beneath the A1, to the north of the existing road. The link road that passes through the underpass will join the Banbridge Road on the eastern side at a T-junction, will then loop under the A1 and through 180 degrees to join the opposite carriageway of the A1. The Rowantree Road will be realigned to join this loop at a T-junction 60 metres from where the loop joins the A1. The western side of the loop will be in a "deep cutting".

According to Roads Service, in 2001 the average daily traffic here was 24,500 vehicles on the A1, 3,200 on the Banbridge Road and 1,200 on Rowantree Road. At the public inquiry in 2006, no objections were received so the inquiry was opened and closed within a few minutes, and so the plan will proceed unmodified.

Progress

Update 18 Mar 2008: Work has now begun - two months behind schedule - according to Dromore Today and site visitors.

Update 27 Sep 2007: According to Roads Service work is due to begin in January 2008. Some hedge removal has already taken place ahead of the bird nesting season.