Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Craigavon Borough Council, the Minister said: “Roads Service is developing a business case to bid for funding for the Malcolm Road to Gilford Road Link. Subject to approval a vesting order will be drawn up for acquisition of the land necessary to construct the scheme.”
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include a new roundabout on the Gilford Road at Drumlin Hill, Portadown and provision of a short length of footway and dropped kerbs at Damhill Road, Magheralin. 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 continued high level of investment in the road network development and maintenance including provision for local transport and safety measures in the Craigavon Borough. 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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