Speaking ahead of tonight’s meeting between Roads Service and Belfast City Council, the Minister said: “Work on the £104million M1/Westlink improvement project continues to make significant progress. At the Grosvenor Road junction, Westlink traffic is now utilising the underpass. This is complimented by work on dismantling the temporary road bridge following opening of the new Grosvenor Road Bridge to traffic on 22nd October. At Stockmans Lane, the Belfast-bound bridge carrying M1 traffic over this junction is also complete and open to traffic. Some nineteen months into this very challenging undertaking, work remains on target for completion in 2009.
“Other schemes which have been completed this financial year include provision of a left turn lane for traffic exiting Cairnburn Road onto Circular Road; replacement of safety fencing at Loughview Terrace; signalised junction upgrades at Donegall Square West/ Wellington Place, Balmoral Avenue/ Lisburn Road and Castlereagh Road/ Grand Parade/ Ladas Drive.”
At the meeting Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the level of investment in local transport and safety measures in the Belfast City Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Monaghan 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 Belfast City 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 Monaghan.
Notes to Editors:
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