Council receives an update on roads infrastructure projects for Ards and North Down Borough Council area

Date published: 19 November 2020

Ards and North Down Borough Council members have been updated by the Divisional Roads Manager for the area on works being undertaken in 2020/21, at the Department for Infrastructure’s meeting with the council.

Speaking as he addressed council members by video link on Thursday  evening, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Arnold Hamilton said:

“Significant resurfacing schemes have been completed in recent months including the A21 Comber Road and roundabout, Newtownards; A2 Millisle Road, Donaghadee; Grays Hill,Bangor; B173 Rubane Road, Kircubbin and C272 Carrickmannon Road, Ballygowan. In addition, a number of resurfacing schemes are ongoing, including on the C252 Gransha Road in Bangor, as well as other locations spread across the Council area.’’

Mr. Hamilton also highlighted Minister Mallon’s commitment to investing in improved safety measures outside schools and highlighted six locations across the Ards and North Down Borough Council area where part time 20mph speed limits are planned. 

He continued:

‘’New traffic signals have been installed at the A2 Bangor/Belfast Road at Ballymoney Road Junction and new puffin crossings have been provided at the B21 Donaghadee Road near Windmill Road and A21 Bangor Road near Victoria Road. Hard standings have also been provided at the existing bus stops on the A2 Donaghadee Road, Groomsport.

“Five collision remedial schemes, which include measures such as high friction surfacing and alterations to road markings, have been completed along with the provision of 14 accessible parking bays at various locations. Traffic management measures are also being delivered at other locations across the Borough during the remainder of the year.”

He continued:

“Street lighting upgrading schemes have been completed on nine sites across the District Council area including the A2 at Holywood; Meadowvale, Bangor; Main Road, Cloughey and Ardview Park, Killinchy, with further works planned for delivery this financial year. The street lighting programme continues to provide LED retrofit lanterns at many locations throughout the Council area, with a total of 1,800 lanterns having been provided during the reporting period.

“These projects will provide significant benefits to both the local community and enhance provision for all those walking and cycling, as well as those using roads in the Ards and North Down area.”

Mr Hamilton advised:

“It has been an unprecedented year so far, caused by the nationwide impact of Covid-19. This resulted in our contractors being unable to work from mid-March until around mid-May, and this has had a knock on impact on our work programmes. I am pleased to advise that our contractors have been working again since May to complete the schemes that were stopped due to the Covid-19 restrictions and we are now implementing our 2020/21 works programmes.

“Divisional allocations have now been confirmed and I am pleased to note that on the Capital side these are broadly similar to last year. Resource allocations will allow the Department to maintain the road network in a similar way to last year but I am pleased to report that the Minister has allocated sufficient funding to allow a full street lighting repair service for the entire year and this is to be welcomed.  

“The overall 2020/21 structural maintenance capital budget is for Northern Ireland is £75 million and of this, £12 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund of which £10 million is targeted towards rural roads. For Ards and North Down Council this translates to almost £500,000 to be used to address areas of immediate need across the rural road network.

“My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide 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 as funding becomes available through the year.

“I would encourage Councillors to continue to contact the relevant members of my staff in relation to operational matters and they will do their best to assist.”

Notes to editors: 

  1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. 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.
  2. Follow us on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

Share this page

Back to top