Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Ards Borough Council, the minister said: “Roads Service awarded the contract for the A20 Southern Distributor Link Road last February with work commencing in March 2008. The scheme is progressing well and it is expected to be substantially complete by late spring 2009. Also the A20 Frederick Street scheme was awarded in February 2008 and work commenced in June 2008. The scheme is progressing as planned with work expected to be complete by late autumn 2008.
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include improvement to forward visibility on the Abbey Road and at the junction with the Woburn Road, Newtownards. Also the Bowtown Road, Newtownards has had improvements made to enhance the forward visibility.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Acting Divisional Roads Manager Bertie Ellison welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Ards Council area. 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 contributing to the work being led by the Department of the Environment on the implementation of decisions arising from the Review of Public Administration, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Ards 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,'' added Mr Ellison.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
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