Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and North Down Borough Council, the Minister said: “Work on the £2million scheme at Six Roads Ends is now substantially complete. The provision of a new roundabout at this location has improved road safety, traffic flow and journey times. The main landscaping work is underway and legislation to provide a permanent 40MPH speed limit is currently being processed."
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include traffic calming works at Ballyholme Road, Rathmore Road and Clandeboye Road plus carriageway resurfacing at Church Road, Holywood and Crawfordsburn Road, Bangor."
At the meeting Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the North Down Borough area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist 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 needs for road maintenance, while progressing a demanding programme of strategic road improvements. We are also awaiting developments arising from the 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 North Down Borough 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,'' added Mr McCourt.
Notes to Editors:
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