Progress on £2.1million investment in Carrickfergus

Regional Development Minister Conor Murphy has welcomed Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £2.1million in the Carrickfergus area this year.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Carrickfergus Borough Council, the Minister said: “Preliminary work is continuing on a strategic road improvement scheme to address congestion issues on the Greenisland section of the A2 between Ravenhill and Silverstream. The scheme will widen the existing two-lane carriageway to provide two lanes in each direction between Jordanstown and Seapark. This will provide a continous four lane road between Carrickfergus and the M5 at Whiteabbey.

"In June, a Geotechnical Investigation was completed along the route and an Archaeological Investigation is planned for early next year. Subject to funding being available for vesting of land an economic appraisal will be completed before the final Statutory Notice, the Vesting Order is made."

At the meeting, Road Service’s Divisional Roads Manager, Tom McCourt welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area. These include traffic calming schemes, measures to assist cyclists and pedestrians and a programme of school travel and safety projects.

Mr McCourt referred to roadworks completed this year plus works nearing completion. These include street lighting schemes at Woodburn, Dean Park and Magills Avenue/Downshire Avenue, Carrickfergus.

Mr McCourt said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by Executive. However Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes. Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Carrickfergus Borough Council area. We will minimise the disruption that will arise from our works and we will give motorists advance warning of road works through signage and information prior to works. There will also be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports.''

Notes to editors

1. All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.