Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s meeting between Roads Service and Antrim Borough Council, the Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.
The Minister said: "It is planned to carry out a number of minor improvement schemes in this Council area. These will include improvements at the Craigstown Road/ Ballylurgan Road and Staffordstown Road/Blackrock Road junctions while it is proposed to construct a footway on Barnish Road from the vicinity of Whelans Park towards a community facility.
“It is proposed to introduce two traffic calming schemes in the area at a combined cost of some £85,000. The first scheme is situated in the Stile's Estate and will involve the introduction of road humps as well as pedestrian refuge islands on the adjacent Stile's Way. The second scheme in Randalstown will introduce road humps in the vicinity of the local schools on the Station Road, Barnish Road and Craigstown Road and in a number of residential streets in Neillsbrook and off Church Road.
“A review of access and parking in Antrim town centre is currently under way and it is planned to introduce phase one of new access and parking restrictions this Autumn. This will result in the existing Pedestrian Priority Area being significantly reduced in size, with the part of High Street from Bridge Street to the Old Courthouse being opened up to traffic and the existing restriction replaced by parking bays to accommodate service vehicles, disabled person's vehicles, taxis and some short term parking. Further amendments to the waiting restrictions in the town centre area will be introduced on a rolling programme over the next few years.”
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 Antrim area we plan to spend £2.5million on routine maintenance and various projects. These projects include asphalt resurfacing 2,900 linear metres of the A6 Randalstown Road (single lane) and 900 linear metres of the B95 Old Coach Road. Smaller stretches of resurfacing are also proposed on the C24 Crumlin Road, C48 Magheralane Road and UR141 Cidercourt Road. An extensive program of carriageway surface dressing and footway resurfacing is also planned at various locations in the Antrim area.”
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Divisional Roads Manager, Jim Beattie, said there were significant challenges to be faced:
He said: "The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3billion. 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 Antrim area.
“To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of road works through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports."
Notes to Editors:
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