Speaking ahead of a recent meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister outlined progress on a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area. "Work has commenced on three of the main junctions on the A1 at Banbridge Road, Dromore; Dromore Road, Banbridge; and Dublin Road/Grovehill Road, Loughbrickland. This work is being undertaken in association with the A1 Beech Hill to Cloghogue dualling.”
The Minister said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17 million of extra funding being allocated to this important function.
"The additional resources mean that around £75 million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years.
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"The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the north.
"This year in the Banbridge area we plan to spend £4.2 million on various projects, including junction visibility improvement works on the Castlewellan Road/Moneygore Road, Rathfriland. Minor works schemes are planned for Corbet Lough Bridge; Rathfriland Road at Lisnaree Road; and at Old Newry Road/Ringsend Road, Banbridge subject to successful land agreements or vesting.
"These are in addition to the ongoing extensive programme of smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.
"Schemes which have already been completed include visibility improvements on Diamond Road at Oakhill Road, Dromore and a footway extension at Rathfriland Road, Banbridge," said Mr Murphy.
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Network Maintenance Manager Arnold Hamilton said there were significant challenges to be faced: "The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years, with investment totalling £3 billion. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.
"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Banbridge area.
"To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. There will be updated information on our website and radio traffic reports."
(JM)
