Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Coleraine Borough Council, the Minister said: “The bend on the A54 Agivey Road at Landmore, which had a poor accident history, has been realigned with associated carriageway resurfacing and drainage work at a cost of £140,000.
“The safety barrier on the Ring Road between Cromore Road and Atlantic Road has been extended on both sides of the carriageway at a cost of £100,000. A motorcycle safety guard was incorporated into the design given the high levels of motorcycles on this route.
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include footways on the B70 Boleran Road and A54 Curragh Road at a total cost of £60,000; a new traffic island and signal pole has been introduced at the entrance to the Causeway Hospital at a cost of £30,000 and footway build-outs and refuges have been introduced on Coleraine Street, Kilrea at a cost of £45,000.
“From a maintenance aspect, 3km of asphalt resurfacing at a cost of £408,000 and 22km of surface dressing at a total cost of £102,000 has also been completed on various routes in the Coleraine area.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Jim Beattie welcomed the continued high level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Coleraine Borough. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Beattie 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 Coleraine 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 Beattie.
Notes to Editors:
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