Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Newtownabbey Borough Council, the Minister said: “Work for the widening of the M2 between Sandyknowes and Greencastle is making good progress. Ultimately this scheme will provide three lanes for traffic in each direction between these junctions. Currently work to replace Collin, Hightown and Longlands Bridges is well underway with half the Collin Bridge already demolished. During these works temporary traffic management arrangements will be in place at each of the three bridges over the motorway. In addition, new retaining walls are presently under construction along the Belfast-bound and country-bound carriageways of the M2 motorway between Sandyknowes and Greencastle.
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include provision of a 1.36km stretch of 3m wide footway/cycle path between Ballyclare and Doagh; sightline improvements from Reahill and Ballyearl Road onto Carntall Road; provision of 162m of safety fence on the Hillhead Flyover and replacement of 44m of safety fence at Bridge Road, Monkstown.”
At the meeting, Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Newtownabbey Borough. These include collision remedial works, traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr McCourt said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with ongoing pressures on its budget for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of Strategic Road Improvements. We are also awaiting the outcome of the Review of Public Administration, so that the resulting changes to our structure or working arrangements can be planned and implemented.
“The Strategic Road Improvement Programme envisages an investment of £1.4billion in the period up to 2015. Around £1billion of these schemes has already been identified and a consultation on a further £400million of schemes has been completed. In addition, the Republic of Ireland National Development Plan 2007-2013, contains proposals on the inter-urban routes linking the main population centres of Dublin, Belfast and the North West. The timing of schemes will however depend on the outcome of the current comprehensive spending review and the revised Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which will cover the period from 2008 to 2018.
“Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in Newtownabbey Borough. 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, 02890 540007.
