An all-purpose dual carriageway on the Belfast – Newry/Dublin road. Opened in 1974. Later modifications included a roundabout at the northern end and a flyover at the southern end.
The Sprucefield – Loughbrickland section of the Belfast – Newry/Dublin road was built, in the 1970’s, as an all-purpose dual carriageway allowing right and “U” turns. The high number of minor side roads in Co Down and various private accesses means that there are frequent gaps in the central reservation. The road has been improved with flyovers and underpasses but numerous gaps remain. There are long-term plans to close some and build more grade-separated junctions.