Speaking ahead of this afternoon's meeting between Roads Service and Derry City Council, the Minister outlined a number of minor schemes taking place in the area.
The Minister said: "The existing bridge in Park Village is being widened to provide a footway connection within the village. The C516 Trench Road is to be widened and verges provided at a number of locations between Killymallaght Road and Disertowen crossroads. Traffic calming schemes are proposed at Temple Road, Marlborough Road, Benview Estate, Bishop Street Without and Blackburn Avenue. Safer routes to schools traffic calming measures are also proposed at St. Eithne’s Primary School and Holy Child Primary School, Creggan.”
Mr Murphy said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17 million of extra funding being allocated to this important function. "The additional resources mean that around £75million was invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years. The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the North."
This year in the Derry City area, we plan to spend £2.2million on various structural maintenance projects. Resurfacing works are planned during the summer months for A6 Altnagelvin at an estimated cost of £0.5million.
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Principle Engineer Uel Wilson said there were significant challenges to be faced.
"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3.1billion. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.
"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Derry City council area.
To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of road-works through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports."
Notes to Editors:
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