Progress on £4.2million investment in Banbridge area

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £4.2million in the Banbridge District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister said: “The A1 grade separated junction schemes within the Banbridge district are located at the Banbridge Road, Dromore; Dromore Road, Banbridge; and the Dublin Road / Grovehill Road, Loughbrickland. These schemes are being progressed via a Public Private Partnership package.

"Construction work within these schemes has continued throughout the year with the construction of bridge abutments and earthworks. Temporary Traffic Management arrangements are in place at each location and will remain throughout the construction phase. The schemes are due for completion by December 2009.

“Other schemes which have already been completed this year include the provision of improved visibility and sightlines on the A25 Castlewellan Road at the Moneygore Road, Rathfriland. The scheme is in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and other routine maintenance works."

At the meeting Road Service’s Acting Divisional Roads Manager Bertie Ellison welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Banbridge Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr Ellison 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 Banbridge 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

1. Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, 02890 540372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.