Council receives an update on road infrastructure projects for Antrim & Newtownabbey for 2024

Date published: 26 November 2024

During a meeting on Monday 25 November, Divisional Roads Manager Mr Alan Keys addressed the council, stating:

“Northern Ireland’s road network is our largest and most valuable strategic infrastructure asset delivering every day for people to go about their daily lives. It is recognised that there is more to do to improve and protect our vital road network and the Department is maximising its resources to deliver positive engineering impacts. The Department’s 2024/25 budget allocation is challenging however we will continue to prioritise essential frontline services. Minister O’Dowd has recently allocated almost £19m from October monitoring for essential and structural road maintenance and street lighting work. He has also funded a £1m targeted intervention for gully emptying given the potential impact of severe weather and the resultant risk of flooding.”

Mr Keys acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2024-25 budget but affirmed the Department's commitment to advancing local transport, safety schemes, and maintenance programs aimed at improving road safety.

Mr Keys continued:

“Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25. The Department will also deliver a number of safety improvements and resurfacing schemes in 2024/25, including schemes on the B39 Seven Mile Straight, Muckamore, B52 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, B95 Mallusk Road, Templepatrick, B52 Paradise Walk, Parkgate and B523 O’Neill Roundabout, Glengormley along with the completion of almost 59 lane kilometres of surface dressing.

“The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian, wheeling and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices particularly for shorter everyday journeys. The Department has developed a Northern Ireland wide Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance for Active Travel as well as network plans for our larger towns and cities. Consultation on the plan opened on Wednesday 13 November and will close on 28 February 2025.

“In the meantime, we are continuing to take forward design work on Active Travel schemes in the area, including a scheme to provide shared facilities on the Glenavy Road linking Crumlin and Glenavy.”

In conclusion, Mr Keys said:

“These projects the Department is delivering will bring significant benefits to both the local community and commuters throughout the Antrim & Newtownabbey Council area.”