Kennedy announces £3.9m roads investment

REGIONAL Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £3.9million for maintenance schemes and operations in the Banbridge District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting last night (Monday) between Roads Service and Banbridge Council, the Minister said: “A wide range of road improvement and maintenance schemes is planned or already complete in the Banbridge Council area.

Work is continuing on options for four grade separated junctions on the A1 dual carriageway. This project will also provide a central safety barrier, in the central reservation between Hillsborough and Loughbrickland.

“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 means the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 is under considerable pressure. However, while indications were that funding for resurfacing works would be very limited this year, a successful in year bid by my Department has improved this position considerably. I remain committed to delivering these important schemes and will continue to submit strong bids for additional funding at each opportunity.

“The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years.”

At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Kevin Monaghan highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently planned or completed.

He said: “I am pleased to note the recent completion of road realignment schemes on the A50 Banbridge road, Gilford and the B10 Rathfriland Road, Banbridge at the Campbell’s Hill junction. Initial observations suggest that these upgraded stretches of carriageway are working well and enhances driver safety at these locations.

“A significant carriageway resurfacing programme is progressing with schemes recently completed at locations including A50 Castlewellan Road, Banbridge; Ballinaskeagh Road, Glasker; Forthill Green and Lynn Avenue, Banbridge.”