Progress On £4.5million Investment In Newtownabbey

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £4.5million in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Minister said: “Preliminary work is continuing on a strategic road improvement scheme to address congestion issues on the Greenisland section of the A2 between Ravenhill and Silverstream. The scheme will widen the existing two-lane carriageway to provide two lanes in each direction between Jordanstown and Seapark. This will provide a continous four lane road between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey.

"In June 2009 a geotechnical investigation was completed along the route and an archaeological investigation is planned for early next year. Subject to funding being available for vesting of land an economic appraisal will be completed before the Vesting Order, which is the final Statutory Notice, is made.

"In addition, significant improvements have been completed on the M2 to provide three lanes in each direction between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions. Major milestones were delivered ahead of programme and the overall scheme officially opened on 9th June 2009 - some two and a half months ahead of programme. The increased carriageway capacity on the M2 has reduced congestion and improved journey times, particularly at peak times."

At the meeting, Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt, welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area. These include collision remedial schemes, traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr McCourt referred to a range of roadworks completed this year plus schemes nearing completion. These included Phase1 of a carriageway widening and footway provision scheme at Park Road, Mallusk, central hatching and right turn pockets on the Antrim Road at Chimney Corner and new footway provision at Ballyeaston along the Lower Ballyboley Road, Dickeystown.

Mr McCourt said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by Executive. Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes. Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area.

"We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works, and we will give motorists advance warning of road works through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.''

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.