Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Limavady Borough Council, the Minister said: “The preferred corridor of the proposed dualling of the A6 between Dungiven and Derry, (which recommended a bypass around Dungiven), has been chosen and was presented to the public at various Community Information events in September. Civil Engineering Consultants have now been appointed to examine potential road alignments within this corridor. Roads Service would hope to announce a ‘preferred route’ for the proposed dualling in spring 2009.”
He added: “Other schemes which have already been completed in the Limavady Borough this financial year include the resurfacing of the A6 Foreglen Road, Dungiven at Owenbeg at a cost of £260,000; improvements to the visibility splays at the junction of the Plantation Road/Sistrakeel Road; a new bus lay-by with shelter has been constructed on Connell Street; traffic signal equipment at the junction of Connell Street/Irish Green Street has been replaced and upgraded with additional pedestrian facilities and almost 50km of carriageway has been surface dressed at various locations throughout the Council area.”
At the meeting, Road Service’s Principal Engineer, Deidre Mackle, welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Limavady Borough. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Ms Mackle said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing needs for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of strategic road Improvements. We are also awaiting developments arising from publication of the Review of Public Administration Emerging Findings Paper in October 2007, so that changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented smoothly.
“The Draft Investment Strategy for the north of Ireland will see £3.1 billion invested in our road network by 2018. This includes a £400 million contribution by the south of Ireland for improvements to the inter urban routes linking Dublin, Belfast and the North West. Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Limavady Council area. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.’’
Notes to Editors:
Media queries to: Emma Flynn Davies, Press Office, Department for Regional Development, Tel: 02890 540007. Out of hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.
