Hazzard announces £200,000 road widening and traffic calming scheme in Downpatrick set to begin

Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard has announced the start of a £200,000 carriageway road widening and traffic calming scheme on Fountain Street, Downpatrick.

Work includes widening the street and providing formalised on-street parking areas and enhanced sight visibility at the junction with Ardmore Avenue.

Preliminary works have already been carried out to facilitate the relocation of telecommunication equipment.  The main site works are due to begin early February for approximately eight weeks. The scheme is expected to be substantially completed before Easter 2017.

Chris Hazzard said:

“This significant local investment will improve traffic progression along Fountain Street and ease congestion at peak times, while maintaining on street parking for local residents. This is good news for the 10,000 vehicles that use this road every day.

“The road humps on Kennedy Square will improve road safety for all, particularly vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists by reducing vehicle speeds.

“This scheme will deliver benefits for the local community and visitors to the area for many years to come.”

In order to facilitate the works and ensure the safety of workers and the public, lane closures and a short road closure will be required to complete the works. The actual dates of the planned closure will be published in advance of the commencement of any road closure.

TransportNI has carefully programmed the works operations and traffic management arrangements in order to minimise any inconvenience to the public, however motorists should be aware that some delays may be expected and that additional time should be allowed when planning any journeys.

The above planned dates are subject to favourable weather conditions. For information about this and other improvement schemes across the North visit: www.trafficwatchni.com.

Notes to editors: 

1. The decision to provide a traffic calming scheme is based upon an assessment process which takes account of a number of factors including: the accident history of the site, with additional weighting being applied to collisions involving vulnerable road users, the speed, volume and type of traffic, and the characteristics of the general area.
2. Following discussions with residents, elected representatives and the PSNI the design for a scheme was progressed and a consultation process was successfully completed with no objections raised.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or email: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra.

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