Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Down District Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is continuing with work required to progress the A24 Ballynahinch Bypass. Advancement is dependant on the outcome of the Public Inquiry into the Ards and Down Area Plan 2015. Design work is continuing on the overtaking opportunities schemes at Glassdrumman, north of Saintfield and at the Old Saintfield Road, north of Crossgar. However Roads Service is currently considering that improvements to the A7 between Dorans Rock and Rowallane should take priority over the above schemes following a request from the Council.
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include forward sight distance improvements at Clanmaghery Road, Tyrella. Entrance gateways were provided on the Rathkeltair Road, Downpatrick and at Downpatrick Road, Ballynahinch Road and Kilmore Road, Crossgar. These works were accompanied by several smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as a programme of resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Strategic Roads Improvement Manager, Leslie McCullough, welcomed the continued high level of investment in the road network development and maintenance, including provision for local transport and safety measures in the Down District. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr McCullough 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 awaiting developments arising from publication of the Review of Public Administration Emerging Findings Paper in October 2007, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly.
"The Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will see £3.1billion invested in our road network by 2018. This includes a £400million contribution by the south of Ireland for improvements to the inter urban routes linking Dublin, Belfast and the North West. Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Down District 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,’’ he added.
Notes to Editors:
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