Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Lisburn City Council, the Minister said: “I am pleased to confirm that Roads Service is developing proposals for a high standard link between the M1 motorway and A1 at Sprucefield. The proposal will be subject to public scrutiny through the normal statutory processes. Subject to these and the availability of funding, the scheme could be delivered between 2014 and 2018.
"In addition, the A1 road between Sprucefield and Newry includes a number of junctions which have been reconstructed to grade separated standards. In the Lisburn City Council area this includes the junction at Dromore Road, Hillsborough which was opened to traffic in September 2009.
"During the summer months Roads Service also took advantage of reduced traffic volumes on the M1 motorway to construct a four kilometre long safety barrier between Junction 6, Saintfield Road and Junction 3, Black's Road."
At the meeting, Road Service’s Deputy Divisional Roads Manager, Kevin Monaghan welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Lisburn City Council area. These include collision remedial schemes, traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.
Mr Monaghan referred to a range of schemes completed this year as well as schemes nearing completion. These included replacement of a roundabout with a fully signalised junction at the Wilmar Road / McKinstry Road, Lisburn. In addition, a scheme to provide a right turn pocket on the Old Ballynahinch Road is programmed. This will benefit traffic turning from the Magheraknock Road into Cargacreevy Road and simultaneously improve pedestrian facilities.
Mr Monaghan said:"The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However, Roads Service is planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes. Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Lisburn City Council area and we will minimise disruption that arising from our works. We will also give motorists advance warning of road works and provide updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.''
Notes to editors:
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