Emerging from the meeting the Minister said: “This meeting has provided me with a useful opportunity to learn at first hand about the problems facing local residents during the bridge closure and to discuss the temporary traffic management arrangements.
“The Hightown Bridge is 50 years old and needs to be replaced for safety reasons. During the closure my officials will be making every effort to minimise the traffic impacts for local residents. Traffic management measures have already been implemented to alleviate congestion on the diversionary route, which comprises Mallusk Road, Scullion's Road, Sandyknowes roundabout and Antrim Road.
“I can confirm that the Hightown Road will reopen to traffic on 23 Novemberone week earlier than planned and it is not due to be closed again until early February 2008. During this time my officials will be considering the feasibility of providing a temporary bridge during the planned one year closure. They will also be reviewing the traffic management arrangements, emergency access requirements and the need for additional buses for school children.”
Notes to Editors:
1. The current Hightown Bridge is 50 years old and has been assessed as being under strength and needs to be replaced.
2. Replacement has been scheduled along with the widening contract for the M2.
3. During the closure a signed diversionary route is available via Mallusk Road, Scullion's Road, Sandyknowes roundabout and Antrim Road, in both directions.
4. Additional measures to alleviate congestion include:
- making full time the existing part time signals at Sandyknowes;
- considering signalisation of the Scullion’s Road entrance to Sandyknowes;
- adjusting the signal timings on the A8 and M2 southbound offslip to the roundabout to accommodate extra traffic on Scullion's Road;
- adjusting signal timings to Mallusk Road from Hightown Road and Mayfield Link to help accommodate displaced traffic; making adjustments to the traffic signals along the Antrim Road;
- introducing additional monitoring of the junctions and surrounding area for a period until traffic patterns stabilise;
- ongoing monitoring of signal timings and adjustments to maximise the flow through Sandyknowes;
- re-routing of some Translink Services to accommodate the Hightown area; and
- a concerted effort to complete the works as soon as possible.
5. Media queries to: Don McAleer, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0817. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 076 99715440 and your call will be returned.
