Roads Service reveal plans to widennotorious road

Over the years the road, which is used by many commuters as an alternative to the busy M!, has become known for the number of accidents along its stretch.

Now Roads Service hope to improve safety by widening a section of the road from numbers 174-184. This week the first stage of that process began with a public notice being placed in newspapers stating Roads Service’s intention to make a vesting order for to widen the road.

Lagan Valley MP Jeffrey Donaldson, said it was another step towards the overall improvement of the road.

“As I understand it, this is part of a road widening scheme on this section of the Hillhall Road which has been identified for improvement as part of a strategic review of what is one of the most heavily trafficked routes from Lisburn into Belfast,” explained Mr Donaldson.

“It is important that Roads Service continues to honour the commitment given to make significant improvements to this road.

“The vesting process will give the opportunity to local residents to have their say in terms of the impact it may have on the adjacent landowners.

“Unfortunately the Hillhall/Ballylesson Road has gained notoriety for the frequency of accidents that have occurred, particularly at peak times, and therefore this ongoing work is important to improve road safety on what is a very, very busy arterial route between the two cities.”

Lagan Valley MLA Basil McCrea said he was “greatly pleased” by the decision of the Roads Service to widen and improve the road.

“It is a great relief to me that the community’s needs and safety have been heard and duly considered by the Roads Service and the right decision has been taken,” said Mr McCrea.

“Those living and travelling to the area will soon have a safer commute to wherever they need to go, and this benefit the community immensely.”