Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Armagh City and District Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is continuing with route assessments on the Armagh North and West link roads. Assessments should be complete and the preferred route identified by the end of the year. A specimen design is being developed for the Armagh East link, this should enable it to proceed to the next stage which includes Statutory Procedures, Environmental Statement, Direction Order and Vesting Order. Subject to available funds an overtaking opportunities scheme may be able to commence on the A28 at Edenaveys in the next financial year.”
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year to date include junction improvements at the A29 Newtownhamilton/Keady Road and Right turning lanes at the A3 Brootally Crossroads, Armagh. These works were accompanied by several smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as a programme of resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager (Acting), Bertie Ellison welcomed the level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Armagh District Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Ellison said: "Roads Service faces some very significant challenges over the next few years as it deals with the 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 Northern Ireland will see £3.1billion invested in our road network by 2018. This includes a £400million 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 Armagh District 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,’’ he added.
Notes to Editors:
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