Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Carrickfergus Borough Council, the minister outlined a major scheme planned for the area.
Mr Murphy said: "The Belfast Metropolitan Transport Plan 2015 identified significant congestion on the A2 particularly between Ravenhill and Silverstream, and a proposed improvement scheme is now included in the Roads Service's Major Works Preparation Pool. A Public Inquiry into this proposal was held in October 2007 and the Roads Service is currently considering the Inspector's report with a view to producing a Departmental Statement on proposals for progressing the scheme. Subject to the satisfactory outcome of the statutory processes and the availability of necessary finance, the department will progress towards implementation of the works."
The minister also 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 £17million of extra funding being allocated to this important function. "The additional resources mean that around £75million has been 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 this borough area we plan to spent £1.6million on various projects. The department will continue with its carriageway and footway resurfacing programme plus drainage improvement across the borough. In addition, other safety schemes will be undertaken such as traffic calming measures at Prospect Heights and Station Road, North Road/Marshallstown Road junction realignment and street lighting upgrades in several parts of the borough."
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Acting Divisional Roads Manager Ken Hutton 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 £3billion. 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 the Carrickfergus Borough Council area.
To minimise the disruption arising from any 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."
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development , Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
