Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister said: “The A1 Loughbrickland to Beech Hill scheme is now complete. Works to provide new grade separated junctions at Dromore Road, Banbridge, Banbridge Road, Dromore and at Dublin Road, Loughbrickland are expected to commence this year.
“Other schemes which will be taken forward in the Banbridge District Council area include improvements to the Castlewellan Road at Moneygore Road, Rathfriland. Subject to land agreements schemes will also commence on the Rathfriland Road, Banbridge at Lisnaree Road, on the A50 at Corbet Lough and at Ringsend Road/Old Newry Road, Banbridge. ”
Roads Service’s Divisional Manager John White welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Banbridge District Council area which includes traffic calming, collision remedial, pedestrian measures, cycling measures, safe routes to schools and controlled pedestrian crossings.
Mr White added: "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 £1.4bn in the period up to 2015. Around £1bn of these schemes have already been identified and a consultation on a further £400m 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 Banbridge District Council area. To minimise the disruption that will arise from our works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports,’’ he said.
Mr White also took the opportunity to highlight some of the schemes already completed in 2006/07. These included provision of a footway on Huntley Road, Banbridge; visibility improvements on the Rathfriland Road at Derrylough Hill junction; junction improvements at Kilntown Road/Moss Road junction, Tullynisky Road/Banbridge Road junction and Glaskerbeg Road/Ballynaskeagh Road junction. A forward visibility improvement scheme on the Aughnacloy Road, Banbridge is almost complete.
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies or Michaela Smyth, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0007.
