Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Castlereagh Borough Council, the Minister outlined a major scheme planned for the area.
The Minister said: "Work is continuing in developing proposals for the widening of the A55 at Knock Road. This includes conducting proposals to inform the environmental impact assessments, progress of the design, traffic modelling and evaluation of alternative suggestions. This work will be used to prepare an Environmental Statement and it is expected that this will be published for public consultation later in the year.
"Following the receipt of any objections and comments to these published proposals, the Department may then decide to hold a public inquiry. It is only after receipt of the public inquiry inspector's report that the final decision to proceed with the scheme or not, will be taken."
Mr Murphy also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintence, 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 spend £2.2million 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 Wynchurch Road and Merok Crescent, "village gateway" type treatment at Manse Road, 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 £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 Castlereagh 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.
