Council receives an update on roads infrastructure projects for Belfast City Council area 2020/21

Belfast City Council members have been updated by the local Divisional Roads Manager on works being undertaken in 2020/21, at the Department for Infrastructure’s recent council meeting.

Speaking as he addressed council members by video link on Tuesday evening Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Kevin Monaghan, said:

“Major resurfacing schemes have recently been completed on the Cregagh Road, Hawthorden Way, Middlepath Street and Millfield. Further major resurfacing schemes programmed for completion this financial year include Glenburn Road, Dunmurry, another section of Sydenham Bypass towards George Best Belfast City Airport and Ballylesson Road from Ballycairn Presbyterian Church to A55 Milltown Road. These schemes are due to be commenced very shortly.”

Mr Monaghan also highlighted Minister Mallon’s commitment to investing in improved safety measures outside schools and highlighted 17 locations across Belfast City Council area where measures are planned.  He further noted the successful completion of the pop-up cycle lanes at Crumlin Road, Grosvenor Road, Bankmore Street and on the Dublin Road.

He continued,

“Street lighting measures promoted include LED retrofits at Crumlin Road, North Street, Queens Bridge and Market Street. Minor works progressing on site at present include the scheme to widen Blacks Road which will introduce an additional lane at the Blacks Road / Old Golf Course junction and also includes provision of a new footbridge over the railway line to the south of Blacks Road. Works are progressing on site with scheme completion programmed for winter 2020, weather permitting.

“These projects will benefit local communities and will provide significant benefits for road users including pedestrians and cyclists.”

Mr Monaghan advised:

“It has been an unprecedented year caused by the impact of Covid-19.  This resulted in our contractors being unable to work from mid-March until around mid-May and this had a knock on impact on our work programmes however, all our contractors have now returned to sites and work is progressing well.”

Continuing Mr Monaghan added:  

“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 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 and I am pleased to report the Minister has 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 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 if funding becomes available through the rest of 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.
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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