Roads Service reports on schemes in Belfast area

Transport Minister Conor Murphy welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £6.5million spend in the Belfast area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Belfast City 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.

"Recent improvements to the M1/Westlink and the M2 motorway have resulted in traffic being delivered much more efficiently to the signal controlled junction at York Street. To help ensure that traffic flow is optimised through this key motorway interchange, a Preliminary Options Report was completed in 2009. Proposals are currently being taken forward through a Stage 2 Assessment. This will involve detailed consultations with elected representatives, key stakeholders and members of the local community."

Following determination of a favoured option, construction may proceed subject to successful completion of the statutory procedures, an economic appraisal and funding provision.

"The A2 Sydenham Bypass is one of the most heavily used carriageways in the Belfast Metropolitan Area. It forms a vital section of the strategic highway network, linking Bangor with Belfast in addition to providing access to the George Best City Airport and Belfast Port.

"A 2.5km stretch of the existing two lane dual carriageway has been identified for upgrade to three lanes in each direction. The preferred option was announced in February. Consultation events have been held at the Dee Street and Inverary Community Centres allowing  key stakeholders, elected representatives, local residents and road users to scrutinise the scheme proposals.  Further consultations with interested groups will continue in tandem with development of the plan.

"The Department is in the process of scheduling a public inquiry for the Autumn as a significant number of scheme objections have been raised regarding the proposed widening of the A55 at Knock Road. Following this and publication of the public inquiry inspector's report the Department will make a final decision on whether to proceed with the scheme.

"Further road safety improvements have also been delivered in the City. The completed schemes include provision of high friction surfacing (hfs) on approaches to Belmont Road/Parkway Roundabout; upgrade of a zebra to two stage pelican crossing with hfs on the Upper Malone Road at Rosemary Park; fully controlled right turn facilities at Albertbridge Road/Castlereagh Street/Mountpottinger Road and a similar scheme at York Street/Brougham Street/Dock Street.  Roll out of the Safer Routes to Schools programme has also been extended to include primaries at Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Harding Memorial, Saint Aidan’s, Saint Bride’s and Campbell College."

Speaking at the meeting, Ken Hutton, Divisional Roads Manager, 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 23km of carriageway resurfacing completed in 2009/10. This includes Cranmore Avenue, Knocklofty Park, Nelson Street and Falls Road/Divis Street.  In addition, over 11km of footway have been resurfaced which includes Eglantine Avenue, Lorne Street, Hesketh Park and Broom Street."

Commenting on work proposed for the current financial year, Mr Hutton said: "Schemes currently “on site” cover a diverse works programme ranging from 500m of new and upgraded footway along the Whitewell Road; a street lighting scheme at Fernwood Street and new cycle lane provision at the Albertbridge Road and Beersbridge Road. Looking forward, planned schemes include a junction upgrade at the Ormeau Embankment/ Ravenhill Road intersection; a quality walking corridor at Clifton Street and internal structural maintenance work at the Queen Elizabeth Bridge."  He also drew attention to the 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 traffic calming at Finaghy Road North and a zebra crossing upgrade at the RVH on the Grosvenor Road, will be delivered as resources permit.

Notes to editors:

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