Progress on £14.5million investment in Banbridge

Regional Development Minister, Conor Murphy, has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totaling £14.5million in the Banbridge District this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is continuing with work required to progress the three A1 flyovers and one underpass. The schemes are being procured by means of a Public Private Partnership with a contract signing imminent. The contractor is currently mobilising and undertaking advanced works.

“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include forward visibility improvements on the Aughnacloy Road, Castlevennon. Increased warning signage and high friction surfacing have been provided at Moyallen Road, Gilford. These works were accompanied by several smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as a programme of resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.”

At the meeting Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager (Acting), Bertie Ellison, welcomed the continued high level of investment in the road network development and maintenance including provision for local transport and safety measures in the Banbridge District. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Ellison said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with the ongoing needs for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of strategic road improvements. We are also awaiting developments arising from publication of the Review of Public Administration Emerging Findings Paper in October 2007, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly.

"The Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will see £3.1billion invested in our road network by 2018. This includes a £400million contribution by the south of Ireland for improvements to the inter urban routes linking Dublin, Belfast and the North West. Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Banbridge District Council area. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports,’’ he added.

Notes to Editors:

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