Kennedy announces progess on £8.4million investment in Belfast

Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £8.4million for maintenance schemes in the Belfast City Council area this year.
~ Thursday, 27 October 2011

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Belfast City Council, the Minister said: “A wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes is planned or already complete in the Belfast City Council area. These include the planned upgrade of the A2 Sydenham Bypass which is currently undergoing the last of a three stage assessment process. Detailed development of the Preferred Option and further public consultation will follow. Subject to the availability of funding the statutory processes can then be initiated and upon successful completion, carriageway construction can commence.

“These engineering works will widen and upgrade a 2.5km stretch of the existing A2 Sydenham Bypass from a two lane to three lane dual carriageway and are also subject to availability of future funding.

“Along Whitewell Road, a significant new and upgraded footway has been completed over two phases. This involved a 500 metres provision from Throne Shopping Centre to Floral Park plus an additional 250 metres from Floral Park to Antrim Road. This continuous link between the Antrim Road and Shore Road substantially enhances road safety provision for pedestrians in the area.

“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure. While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years."

At the meeting, Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Bertie Ellison highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently planned or progressed. He said: “I am pleased to note the recent completion of pedestrian crossing provision at Ballysillan Road Leisure Centre; Crumlin Road at Snugville Street and Ravenhill Road at Ravenhill Avenue.

“The Safer Routes to Schools programme rollout continues apace. Following completion, last year of that at Saint Clare's primary, three additional schemes are currently being progressed at BRA, Rosetta primary and Saint Dominic's grammar. Similar additional schemes are also programmed this year for Strandtown, Carr's Glen and Glenwood primaries.

“A significant carriageway resurfacing programme is progressing with schemes recently completed at locations including Wellington Park Avenue; Wandsworth Gardens; Hillside Crescent and Glenside Drive/Parade.”

Mr Ellison also referred to a number of traffic calming schemes that are currently programmed for Connsbrook Avenue, Cranmore Park, Finaghy Road North, Sicily Park and Island Street.

Notes to editors:

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