Council gets update on infrastructure projects for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Date published: 27 November 2017

Speaking as he addressed council members Divisional Roads Manager David Porter said:

“Following extensive preliminary works advanced during winter 2016 and spring 2017, the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area saw the start of the scheme to provide a dual carriageway from the western end of the M22 at Randalstown to the A6 Castledawson Roundabout.

To facilitate construction works while ensuring the safety of both the workforce and travelling public, substantial temporary traffic management measures will be in place for the duration of the scheme. These measures currently include a contraflow at the end of the M22, road closures, temporary speed limits, prohibited turning movements and reduced lane widths. To ensure the temporary traffic management is working, vehicle progression is constantly monitored using mobile technology. The information gathered also informs the variable message signs which lets motorists know the likely travel time though the site.”

David Porter added:

“It is also worth noting other projects in the area recently completed including resurfacing at A6 Brecart Roundabout, Toome, B152 Oriel Road, Antrim and U409 Old Irish Highway, Newtownabbey. A scheme providing improved visibility sight splays at the southern junction of Staffordstown Road/Gallagh Road, Toomebridge was also completed in September 2017.”

On the issue of the Department’s budget, Mr Porter continued:

“Despite a challenging budgetary situation, the Department has delivered a significant programme of resurfacing and surface dressing and continues to carry out a programme of routine maintenance, including pothole repairs and street lighting repairs to meet all essential public safety requirements. The Department has also successfully secured additional funding this year and so will be able to deliver some further road resurfacing and street lighting upgrades along with routine maintenance of our heavily trafficked road network."

In relation to winter gritting services, Mr Porter concluded:

“The Department is planning to deliver a normal winter service, as in previous years, with all necessary staff and equipment at the ready to be deployed as and when required.”

In conclusion Mr Porter thanked the Council for their continued good working relationship with DfI staff and emphasised that this was necessary to deliver much needed public services during this time of financial constraint.