2018:030 - A24, Ballynahinch Bypass, Down

The archaeological investigations proposed were 300 mechanically excavated test trenches measuring 30m x 2m (TT001–TT117, TT120–TT147, TT149–TT194 and TT196–TT304), two mechanically excavated test trenches measuring 15m x 4m (TT118 and TT119) and two mechanically excavated test trenches measuring 15m x 2m (TT148 and TT195). A total of 231 of these trenches were undertaken during this phase of work.

During the course of the trenching one possible new archaeological site was identified (TT247). The site comprised a single pit which was identified within the trench and characterised before backfilling. The remote sensing survey covered an area 1.37ha, north-east of the Glassdrumman River and within the vicinity of an unlocated Mass Rock site (DOW 022:057). No evidence for either the site of the Mass Rock or the Battle of Ballynahinch was uncovered. Two structures along the scheme were subject to Historic Building Surveys.