The closure of the Irvinestown Road from the Cherrymount Roundabout to the South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) has pushed heavy goods vehicles and other traffic onto a narrow rural diversion route, prompting police intervention.

Roadworks began on Monday, diverting traffic onto the Coa Road, a winding lane mainly used by residents and farmers. The normal 10-minute, 2.9-mile journey from the Killyhevlin Hotel to the hospital now takes at least 20 minutes via the Ardgart Road, or around 30 minutes and 11 miles through Ballinamallard.

On Wednesday, July 22, PSNI officers on the Coa Road dealt with a lorry that had caused a queue, and later pursued another lorry that had overtaken the stopped traffic. Vehicles observed using the route included an Ulsterbus, multiple HGVs, a hearse, a limousine, tractors with tankers, cars and a moped performing dangerous overtaking manoeuvres.

Alan, a Coa Road resident, described an unusual volume of traffic with lorries leading long tailbacks and branches being torn from trees by passing HGVs. He said the road was not fit for heavy vehicles and likened the situation to a major motorway.

SDLP councillor Adam Gannon criticised the management of the roadworks, noting that work appeared to stop around 5.30 pm despite the 24-hour closure. He argued that a similar closure on a Belfast arterial route would see round-the-clock work. Residents contacted him concerned about HGVs ignoring warning signs, and about speeding and corner-cutting. Councillor Gannon said he asked the PSNI to ensure heavy goods vehicles did not use the route.

Police advised cars and small commercial vehicles could use the Coa Road diversion, but HGV drivers should avoid it and follow an alternative route with yellow signage. At the Irvinestown Road and Coa Road junction, however, there are no signs prohibiting HGVs, only yellow signs indicating diverted traffic. That route leads to Cherrymount Roundabout where one exit bans HGVs, leaving limited options for lorry drivers.