Roads Minister announces road scheme for Culmore Road Roundabout, Derry

Roads Minister, Conor Murphy, announced today that a roads scheme at Culmore Road / Madam’s Bank Road Roundabout is underway.

The existing Culmore Road / Madam’s Bank Road Roundabout was constructed in the early 1980's in conjunction with the new Foyle Bridge. Currently traffic experiences extensive delays in both the morning and evening peak periods and it is intended that this major scheme, which is in its first phase, will increase the capacity of this junction.

Speaking about the scheme, the Minister said: “I welcome the opportunity to announce the upgrade of the existing roundabout to a larger signalised roundabout which will reduce travel time and improve road safety.

“Funding has been secured for the first phase of the scheme, which will include significant contributions from planned housing developments in the area. Preparatory work recently commenced on site and the main contract is expected to start in early 2010. Traffic modelling work is ongoing, detail plans are being prepared and negotiations are underway with the various landowners.

“I am committed to reversing decades of under-investment in the North-West region, and this junction forms part of the North Western Key Transport Corridor connecting Belfast to Derry City and on to Donegal. Madam’s Bank Road connects to the recently constructed Skeoge Link which completes the strategic route from Foyle Bridge through to Buncrana Road and on to Donegal. Culmore Road to the south east is a main traffic corridor to the city centre just over 3km away.”

Notes to Editors:

1. Atkins Transport Planning was commissioned by Roads Service to carry out a Feasibility Study and subsequent Option Study into potential improvements at the Culmore Road Roundabout.

2. Media queries to: Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 90 540004. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.