Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s meeting between Roads Service and Ballymena Borough Council, the Minister said: “The £1.8million realignment and bridge widening scheme at Tullygarley Road between Rosses Roundabout and Dan’s Road is nearing completion. The scheme will also provide improvements to footway and cycle links along with bus stop lay-bys.
“The £7million extension of the M2 beneath the Larne Road Roundabout is planned to start in the spring of 2009.
“Schemes which have already been completed this financial year include the upgrading of the Town Centre multi-storey car park which now has improved security and also received floor and roof surface treatment to address minor structural issues as well as applying decorative finishes.
“A scheme under the ‘Safer Routes to Schools Project’ has also been completed at Gracehill Primary School. This involved widening existing footways to provide a shared use footway/cycleway, installing a new pedestrian crossing at Gracehill and upgrading the existing crossing at Galgorm.”
At the meeting, Road Service’s Principal Engineer, Uel Wilson welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Ballymena Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Wilson 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 Ballymena 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,'' added Mr Wilson.
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, tel: 028 9054 0372
