Council receives an update on Road infrastructure projects for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council members have been updated on road maintenance and improvement works in the area by the Department for Infrastructure during 2019/20 and the schemes being undertaken in 2020/21.

Speaking as he addressed Council members Divisional Roads Manager, Mr David Porter said: 

“Significant resurfacing schemes have been completed including at the Loughanmore Road in Antrim, and O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey. We have also recently started resurfacing schemes on a further phase of the Belfast Road, the Greystone Road Roundabout, and Steeple Road in Antrim, as well as work on the Fountain Street Environmental Improvement scheme.

“I am also pleased that we have recently completed a shared footpath/cycleway along Loughanmore Road in Antrim and a footway link at Belfast International Airport. Work is also currently ongoing on the provision of a shared path along O’Neill Road in Newtownabbey as part of the resurfacing scheme.

“This has been an unprecedented year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. In line with advice and to ensure the safety of our staff, the Division has largely been operating ‘from home’.  This has allowed the essential services we deliver to continue throughout the lock down. There was some initial disruption to our resurfacing programmes, however, all our contractors have now returned to sites and work is progressing well. There are still some very significant Covid-19 implications on the delivery of our works as we must keep staff, contractors and the public safe by operating with social distancing, and while there is still some disruption with our supply chain, please be reassured that we are working hard to manage this situation.

“The overall 2020/21 structural maintenance capital budget is £75 million for Northern Ireland and of this, £12 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund of which £10 million is targeted towards rural roads.

“Divisional allocations have now been confirmed and our Capital funding is broadly similar to last year although additional funding is being made available for walking and cycling and safer routes to schools which will allow the introduction of part time 20mph speed limits at 7 schools in the Antrim and Newtownabbey area. Resource allocations will allow the Department to maintain the road network in a similar way to last year and the Minister has this year allocated sufficient funding to allow a full street lighting repair service for the entire year and this is to be welcomed.  

“My staff will continue this year to deliver our maintenance programmes and there is also a particular focus on enhancing safety by providing improved measures for pedestrians and cyclists.  As the year progresses we will continue to bid for additional funding to maintain the integrity of the road network and additional schemes will be implemented if funding becomes available through the year.

“Over the past year, good progress has also been made on the two A6 Flagship projects.  Although site works were scaled down as a result of Covid-19 restrictions, the situation improved greatly from May onwards with works now ongoing on most activities.  It remains the position that the Randalstown to Castledawson scheme is expected to be completed in 2021, and the Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme completed in 2022.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
2. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hour’s service for media enquiries between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
3. Follow us on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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