Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Lisburn City Council, the Minister said: “The statutory processes for provision of a £3.5million flyover at Dromore Road, Hillsborough have been completed and the associated lands have been acquired.
"These works form part of a scheme which involves the construction of four major junction improvements planned along the A1 route. The other locations are at Banbridge Road, Dromore, Dromore Road, Banbridge and Grovehill Road, Loughbrickland and provision is being secured through a Public Private Partnership. Construction works are scheduled to commence early in 2008 and be completed approximately two years later.
"These improvements, in turn, form part of a comprehensive contract that will include maintenance works over a thirty year period for of the M1 motorway between Sprucefield and Dungannon, the A1 between Sprucefield and the border and the A101 Sprucefield Link.
“Schemes which have been completed this financial year include a junction improvement at Ballynahinch Road/Magheraconluce Road/Howe Road; Village Gateway treatment at Upper Ballinderry and enhanced pedestrian facilities provision at The Cutts/McKinstry Road junction. In addition, 58 metres of new safety fence have been provided at the Mullaghglass Road/Ivy Hill junction with over 700 metres of safety fences replaced at eight other locations within the Lisburn Borough. This complements a carriageway maintenance programme with almost 10 km of carriageway resurfaced since April 2007," said the Minister.
At the meeting Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Lisburn City Council area. These include collision remedial and traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr McCourt 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.''
Mr McCourt continued, "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 Lisburn City 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.’’
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, 02890 540007. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
