Local representatives are now asking why archaeologists have apparently not yet had a chance to inspect the site some six weeks after workmen downed tools on the crucial commercial link road.

A spokeswoman for Roads Service said that the "top soil strip operation" on the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue Dual carriageway scheme had uncovered "a number of potential archaeological features".

She said the road contractor is preparing plans to deal with the finds along with the Environment and Heritage Service.

"This is normal practice in a construction project of this scale and nature," she said.

Asked for clarification as to what the finds were, the department said it was "very early days" to comment.

"Environment and Heritage Service do confirm they will be talking to contractors, but it hasn't even been discussed at senior level yet."

Danny Kennedy, UUP MLA for the area, said the delays were "a major concern".

"This is a dangerous road which has already claimed a number of lives," he said.

"Given its condition we want to have qualified archaeologists working to resolve any issues as soon as possible."

SDLP MLA Dominic Bradley said no work has been done on the site since the new year.

He is putting an emergency Assembly question to Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy – also MP for the area – to find out why progress on the Newry bypass has come to "a complete standstill".

"It will mean that the city of Newry and surrounding area will be subject to traffic chaos for much longer than necessary," he said.