Roads Service reports on scheme in Ards area

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £3 million for structural road maintenance in the Ards Borough Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Ards 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.”

"Improvement Schemes carried out in 2009/10 included road realignment on the C272 Carrickmannon Road with the Bog Road, Ballygowan. This scheme provided enhanced visibility and safety for the motorist at this busy junction. Another local transport and safety scheme was delivered on the C255 Manse Road, Carrodore. The scheme provides 90 metres of footway link adjacent to Manse Court and Manse Close.

"In total 20 lane kilometres of carriageway were resurfaced, the most significant schemes being the A20 Kempe Stones Road, Newtownards from the council boundary to the Old Belfast Road."

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Bertie Ellison welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe conditions last winter.  He said:  “Investment is to continue on the A20 Kempe Stones trunk road where 4 kilometres of resurfacing is scheduled to take place this summer.”

Roads Service also presented the Council with a programme of local transport and safety measures, which is currently being developed for the area.  These projects, which include additional road markings, enhanced signage and series of speed cushions at Whiteway / Mountain Road, Newtownards. It is also proposed, subject to funding, to provide footway links at Quarter Road, Cloughey; Lisbaret Road, Lisbane and Warren Road, Donaghadee.

Notes to editors:

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