Speaking ahead of tonight's meeting between Roads Service and Ballymoney Borough Council, the Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.
The Minister said: "The National Cycle Network route along the Ballymoney Bypass from Knock Road to Semicock Road has recently been completed at a cost of £40,000.
“It is proposed to carry out improvements on the B147 Kirk Road, east of Bellisle Road, to improve the Forward Sight Distance by realignment of the bend. It is also proposed to improve the visibility sight splay at the Bellisle Road / Kirk Road junction.
“It is also proposed to construct a new pedestrian crossing on Queen Street near the Rodeing Foot roundabout at a cost of £30,000.
“Under the speed management at Rural Schools Initiative it is proposed to introduce a pilot 20mph zone at Kilmolye Primary School, Ballybogey and to introduce improvements to school warning signage at Bush Valley Primary School, Stranocum and Eden Primary School, Vow Road, Ballymoney,” he said.
Mr Murphy also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17million of extra funding being allocated to this important function.
"The additional resources mean that around £75million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years. The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the north.
“This year in the Ballymoney area we plan to spend £1.9million on various projects. These include resurfacing of the A26 Frosses Road Ballymoney, A44 Drones Road, Armoy and B62 Craigs Road, Rasharkin. A resurfacing scheme on B66 Bann Road Agivey was completed in April.”
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Divisional Roads Manager, Jim Beattie, said there were significant challenges to be faced.
"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3.1billion pounds. Roads Service is currently working on the preparation of various schemes and considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.
"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Ballymoney area.
"To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of road-works through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports."
Notes to Editors:
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