Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Craigavon Borough Council, the Minister outlined progress on a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area.
"Work has commenced on improving safety on a 1.1km stretch of the Carn Road at Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon. The work involves widening, junction realignment and improved lighting on a number of junctions.”
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 the Craigavon area we plan to spend £4.3million on various projects, including a new roundabout at Dollingstown Crossroads, improved sightlines and carriageway widening on Kernan Hill Road, Derryvore Lane and Killaghy Road subject to successful land agreements or vesting. These are in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.
"Schemes which have already been completed include a roundabout on the Gilford Road at Drumlin Hill, Portadown, a short length of footway on Damhill Road, Magheralin, carriageway widening at the junction of the Calvertstown and Plantation Roads and high friction surfacing on two approaches to roundabout four, Craigavon,” said Mr Murphy.
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Traffic and Network Development Manager Reynold Nicholson 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 pounds. 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 Craigavon 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.
