Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has announced a £2.3million investment for the Larne Council area this year.
Speaking ahead of tonight's meeting between Roads Service and Larne Borough Council, the minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.
The minister said: "My department will be installing traffic calming measures in the Seacliff estate off Old Glenarm Road at a cost of £20,000, together with a new pedestrian crossing on Old Glenarm Road near Waterloo Road also at a cost of £20,000.
“Junction visibility sightline improvements are planned for the Bridgend Road / Forthill Road junction, Ballycarry and the Gobbins Road / Mullaghboy Road junction, Islandmagee, at a total cost of £36,000. The junction visibility sightlines of the Ballyhampton Road / Old Ballyhampton Road have recently been improved at a cost of £30,000.
“A number of Collision Remedial Schemes are to be provided including alterations to the traffic signal phasing at the junction of Old Glenarm Road with Victoria Road and improvements to sight lines at the junction of Lunnon Road with Browns Bay Road in Islandmagee.
“The ongoing programme for Speed Management at schools will include two within the Larne Borough, at Corran Integrated School off Old Glenarm Road and at Ballyboley Primary School.”
Mr Murphy also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17million of extra funding being allocated to this important function.
He added: "The additional resources mean that around £75million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years. The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the north.
“This year in the Larne area we plan to spend £1.77million on various projects. These projects include resurfacing works within the borough namely:
“B149 Ballywillan Road (Glenoe) – This scheme includes significant strengthening of the roadside verges and 1.5 km of bitmac resurfacing from Miss Mary’s Loanen to Rungill Bridge.
“B90 Millbay Road (Islandmagee) – This scheme will involve carriageway resurfacing and footway upgrades. This work follows a recent NI Water scheme designed to address flooding in this area.”
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Principal Engineer, Malcolm Glover, said there were significant challenges to be faced:
"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3billion pounds. Roads Service is currently working on the preparation of various schemes and considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.
"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Larne area.
“To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports."
Notes to Editors:
- Media queries to Michaela Smyth, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9054 0887
