Progress on £3.8million investment in Coleraine area

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £3.8million in the Coleraine Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Coleraine Borough Council, the Minister said: “Schemes already completed include the realignment of an ‘S’ bend on the Ballymacrea Road, Portrush and the extension of the cycle path along Sea Road, Castlerock between Liffock Park and the level crossing.

"In addition to these schemes, a 20mph legally enforceable speed limit has been introduced on Mussenden Road at Hezlett Primary School at those times of the day when pupils are going to or being collected from the school. This work is part of a pilot study and will not be immediately available for other schools until its effectiveness is assessed and policy/criteria developed.

The Minister also said: “Work is progressing well on the provision of a footway and associated pedestrian crossing refuge islands on the southern side of Garvagh Road, Kilrea between the filling station/shops and Blackrock Road.

“Good progress is also being made on a number of further schemes programmed for implementation this financial year, including the provision of a combined footway/cycleway on the eastern side of Dunderg Road to connect the existing footway in Macosquin to the existing footway/cycleway on the Dunhill Road.”

At the meeting, Road Service’s Principal Engineer, Deidre Mackle welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Coleraine Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Ms Mackle 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 Coleraine 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,'' added Ms Mackle.

Notes To Editors

1. Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, 028 9054 0372