Roads Service reports on schemes in Carrickfergus area

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £1million in the Carrickfergus area this year .  

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Minister said: "A range of local schemes have been delivered successfully by Roads Service in the past year.  While the tightening public expenditure environment in the year ahead will be challenging, Roads Service remains committed to ensure it can make best use of our resources and continue to deliver quality public services.

"Preparatory work is continuing to dual the Greenisland section of the A2 between Ravenhill and Silverstream. This scheme will relieve congestion and provide a continuous four lane road between Carrickfergus and Whiteabbey.”  

A geotechnical investigation was completed in 2009 and an archaeological investigation is being carried out this year.  The start date for this scheme will depend upon the availability of funding in future years.

"During 2009/10 minor works completed included repair work at Slaughterford Bridge, Whitehead and to the seawall at Rhanbuoy Park, Carrickfergus. In addition, the rolling programme of principal structural inspections continued. This included bridges at New Line/ Woodburn Reservoir North, Knockagh Road and the Whitehead railway footbridge.

"Further road safety improvements have also been delivered in the Borough. The completed schemes include provision of high friction surfacing and enhanced warning signage on the A2 at Larne Road/Downshire Road; pelican crossing provision on Victoria Road at Elizabeth Avenue and  further addition to the Safer Route to Schools programme at St Nicholas’ Primary. "

Speaking at the meeting, Roy Spiers, principal engineer, welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe conditions last winter.  "Road maintenance remains a priority with over 16km of carriageway resurfacing completed in 2009/10. This includes Downshire Road, Woodburn Road and Ransevyn Drive, Whitehead.   In addition, over 1km of footway have been resurfaced which includes Broadway Avenue, Pier’s Park, Dobb’s Park and Drumhoy Drive."

Commenting on work proposed for the current financial year, Mr Spiers said: "Schemes currently “on site” cover a diverse works programme ranging from provision of dropped kerbs and tactiles at Bridewell Drive, Sunnylands Avenue and Sandes Court to dynamic traffic signals control at the junction of Monkstown Road and Old Carrick Road. Looking forward, new street lighting schemes are planned for Seapoint, Queens Square and Barn Road."  He also drew attention to the attention to recent launch by the Minister of an enhanced trafficwatchni website which provides additional traffic information.

Roads Service also presented the Council with a programme for local transport and safety measures, which is currently being developed for the area. These projects, which include pelican crossing provision at Hawthorne Avenue and traffic calming at Station Road, will be delivered as resources permit.

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