Roads Service Reports on Schemes in Castlereagh Area

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £1.3million in the Castlereagh area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister said: "A range of local schemes has been delivered successfully by Roads Service in the past year.  While the tightening public expenditure environment in the year ahead will be challenging, Roads Service remains committed to ensure it can make best use of our resources and continue to deliver quality public services.

The proposed A55 widening at Knock Road is adjacent to the Castlereagh Council area boundary, and the statutory processes commenced in November 2009 with publication of the Environmental Statement. This was followed by a Draft Direction Order, Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order and a two day Public Information event held on 18th and 19th November.  As a significant number of scheme objections have been raised, the Department is in the process of scheduling a public inquiry for the Autumn of 2010. Following this and publication of the public inquiry inspector's report the Department will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the scheme.

Throughout 2009/10 additional Road Safety improvements have been delivered in the Borough. The completed schemes include traffic calming at Beechill Road, Newtownbreda Road, and  Merok Crescent, Lisnasharragh; a new 210m footway on the Carrowreagh Road and collision remedial works at a bend on the Ballygowan Road near Ryan Park. "

Speaking at the meeting, Brian Maxwell, Principal Engineer, welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe conditions last winter.  "Road maintenance remains a priority with 8km of carriageway resurfacing completed in 2009/10. This includes the full length of Ballymaglaff Road, Cotswold Avenue, Middle Braniel Road and Wanstead Avenue. In addition, a total of 5.5km of footway have been resurfaced which includes Carrowreagh Park, East Link Road, Park Road and Hillsborough Road, Carryduff."

Commenting on work proposed for the current financial year, Mr Maxwell said: "An enhanced trafficwatchni website containing additional traffic information has recently been launched by the Minister, and schemes currently “on site” cover a diverse works programme ranging from provision of a new, modern park and ride facility at Cairnshill to cycle track amenities between Brackenvale and Carryduff.  Looking forward, new street lighting schemes are planned for Robbs Road, Ashley Park, Carryduff and Church Road, Newtownbreda.  In addition, combined carriageway and footway resurfacing schemes are programmed for Glen Road, Grahamsbridge Road and Hillsborough Road, Carryduff."

Roads Service also presented the Council with a programme for local transport and safety measures, which is currently being developed for the area. These projects, which include a traffic calming upgrade at Ravenswood Park and a pelican crossing upgrade at Upper Knockbreda Road, will be delivered as resources permit.

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