Buncrana ‘Back Road’ closed as major resurfacing works get underway

Major roadworks are now underway on one of Buncrana’s busiest routes, with motorists facing two weeks of disruption as St Mary’s Road – known locally as the Back Road – remains closed.

The road was officially closed on Monday, August 3, with the closure scheduled to remain in place until Friday, August 14, while essential resurfacing works are carried out.

The affected section runs between the St Oran’s Road and Upper Main Street junctions and includes the one-way stretch passing St Mary’s Oratory and Buncrana Library. It is an important northbound route for motorists travelling towards Clonmany and Carndonagh.

The project had originally been scheduled to take place from the final week of June into the first week of July, but was postponed after the contractor initially appointed to carry out the works was unable to undertake the project.

A new contractor was subsequently appointed, allowing the scheme to be rescheduled for August, when schools are closed for the summer holidays.

The timing of the works is intended to minimise disruption before schools return and normal traffic levels increase again.

Diversions are in operation for the duration of the closure. Eastbound traffic is being diverted via Millbrae, McCarter’s Road, Maginn Avenue and Causeway Road, while westbound motorists are being directed along Aileach Road, Cahir O’Doherty Avenue and Castle Avenue.

Traffic using Buncrana’s one-way Main Street is not affected by the closure.

The resurfacing project follows other improvement works carried out on St Mary’s Road earlier this summer, when a new footpath was constructed along the route.

Motorists are being advised to allow extra time for journeys and to follow the signed diversion routes while the works continue.