Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister said: “Earlier this month, Roads Service commenced the statutory processes associated with the plan to relieve traffic congestion along the A55 route at Knock Road, Belfast. The potential impact of scheme options on the surrounding area will be determined and this will be detailed within an Environmental Statement to be published for public consultation during 2008.
“Following the receipt of any objections and comments, the Department may consider a public enquiry necessary. The outcome of this process will be considered along with an economic assessment of the scheme and the availability of the necessary funding when the Department decides on the progression of the scheme.”
Other schemes which Roads Service hope to take forward in the Castlereagh Borough include provision of a park and ride facility at Cairnshill plus side filling and verge strengthening over a 200metre stretch on the Ballyknockan Road, Carryduff.
Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Castlereagh Borough which includes traffic calming, collision remedial, pedestrian measures, cycling measures, safe routes to schools and controlled pedestrian crossings.
Mr McCourt said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it gears up to deliver a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements while planning to restructure in line with the outcome of the Review of Public Administration.
“The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1billion of these schemes has already been identified and a consultation on a further £400million of schemes was completed at the end of 2006. In addition, the Republic of Ireland National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West.
“It is also proposed that the Review of Public Administration will see responsibility for the maintenance and development of local roads, approximately 23,700km of the total 25,000km of public roads, transfer to the seven new Councils in May 2009.
“Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Castlereagh Borough. We will make every effort to minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports,” he said.
Mr McCourt also took the opportunity to highlight some of the schemes completed in 2006/07. These included junction improvement and signalisation on the A55 at the intersection of Milltown Road, Belvoir Road and Hospital Road; “Village gateway” type treatment on the Gransha Road; and cycle track provision at the Upper Newtownards Road.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, 02890 540372.
