Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Belfast City Council, the Minister said: “Preliminary work is continuing on a strategic road proposal to widen a 2.5km stretch of the A2 Sydenham Bypass. This scheme will widen the existing dual two lane carriageway to a dual three lane carriageway. Following completion of the initial assessment and consultation processes, the scheme design is being taken forward through consideration of a number of design options. Roads Service is working closely with DOE Planning Service on the provision of a new junction to serve the Titanic Quarter.
“The M1/Westlink Improvement Scheme was officially opened on 4 March this year, some six months ahead of schedule.
"Significant improvements have also been completed on the M2 to provide three lanes in each direction between Sandyknowes and Greencastle junctions. Once again, major milestones were delivered ahead of programme and the overall scheme officially opened in June, some two and a half months ahead of programme. The increased carriageway capacity on the M2 has reduced congestion and improved journey times, particularly at peak times."
At the meeting, Norman Chambers, Principal Engineer with Road Service’s Eastern Division, welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Belfast City Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians, schemes aimed at reducing road traffic collisions and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
He advised that development of a major works proposal for the A55 at Knock Road is progressing. The work done to date will facilitate the preparation of an Environmental Statement, Notice of Intention to make a Direction Order and Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order, which we hope to publish for public comment towards the end of 2009. Depending on the outcome of that consultation the Department may decide to hold a public inquiry to allow a decision to be made on implementation of the scheme.
Mr Chambers referred to roadworks completed this year and schemes nearing completion. The latter includes an improvement scheme at the existing Westlink/York Street junction to improve traffic flows from Westlink to the M2, M3 and York Street.
Mr Chambers said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes. Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Belfast City 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.''
Notes to editors:
- All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
