Speaking ahead of tonight's meeting between Roads Service and Ballymena Borough Council, the minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.
The Minister said: "The C47 Tullygarley Road is currently being widened and realigned between Rosses roundabout and Dan’s Road at a total cost of £1.6million. The scheme includes the widening and strengthening of Tullygarley Bridge and improvements to footway and cycle provision along with bus stop lay-bys.
“Roads Service is continuing with the upgrade of the multi-storey car park in Ballymena and plans to spend over £200,000 in the current year carrying out minor structural repairs, applying specialist floor finishes and painting the inside of the building.
“It is planned to increase the size of the Park and Share car park site at Ballee in Ballymena. Currently there are 40 spaces in this car park and it is regularly full to capacity. The extension will almost double the number of spaces available for commuters and will cost some £50,000.
“Significant work will be carried out on a Safe Route to School Project at Gracehill. This project, supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, will provide improved links from Galgorm to Gracehill by introducing a shared use footway/cycleway and toucan crossings. Street lighting is also being upgraded. It is expected the overall scheme will cost in excess of £150,000.”
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 Ballymena area we plan to spend £3.4million on various projects. These projects include resurfacing works on a number of key transport routes within the borough, namely:
- A26 Ballee Road Roundabout - removal and replacement of the existing carriageway surface on one of the most heavily trafficked sections of the local road network.
- A26 Linenhall Street – Resurfacing of carriageway and footways, a scheme which will compliment the Ballymena Town Hall redevelopment.
- A36 Ballymena to Larne main trunk road - 1.4 km of resurfacing at Moorfields.”
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 Ballymena 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:
Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.
