Council gets update on infrastructure projects for 2017/18.

Belfast City Council members have been updated on programmed infrastructure works for the area by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Speaking as he addressed council members this evening, Eastern Divisional Roads Manager Kevin Monaghan said:

“Over the next six months, the Belfast City Council area will see the completion of a number of resurfacing schemes including Crumlin Road, Glenbawn Avenue, Onslow Parade, Ravenhill Park, Victoria Gardens and Glenkeen.

“The provision of 420 metres of new footway at Church Road to link the existing footway at Manse Road with the entrance of the Henry Jones playing fields is also a significant project. All of these projects will realise significant benefits for both the local community and commuters.

“Delivery of the York Street Interchange scheme remains a high priority for the Department. This scheme will address a major bottleneck on the strategic road network, replacing the existing signalised junction at York Street with direct links between Westlink, M2 and M3, the three busiest roads in Northern Ireland. In November 2016 the publication of the outcome of the Public Inquiry into the scheme was announced and the Inspector’s Report and the Departmental Statement were published. The process of consulting local residents and key stakeholders on issues identified in the Inspector’s Report has now commenced.

“In relation to routine maintenance, the indicative budget outlined by the Secretary of State in April does mean that there are likely to be knock-on impacts for services including routine maintenance of the road network and in this area, the Department will be reliant on additional resource funding becoming available. We understand the implications of the limited service and its long term impacts on the network and are doing our best to deliver routine maintenance services within the allocated budget.

“The Department’s objective is to continue to deliver routine road maintenance services at the current level for as long as possible. While services will be constrained, we are planning to meet all essential public safety requirements.” 

Concluding, Mr Monaghan said: 

“It is also worth noting other projects in the area recently completed, including the renewal of a high friction surface on the A2 Sydenham By-Pass at Dee Street, a new puffin crossing at Lisburn Road at Fountainville Avenue, the removal of the roundabout and replacement of a zebra crossing with a puffin crossing on Tate’s Avenue at Ebor Street and a range of other local traffic and safety measures have also already been delivered.”

Ciarán De Búrca, Director of Transport Projects and Business Services, provided a general update on the overall Belfast Rapid Transit project with a detailed description of the various infrastructure works which are currently planned and on the ground.

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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