Hazzard announces £7.6 million investment in Ards and North Down roads

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard said a £7.6 million investment in Ards and North Down roads over the past year is bringing real benefits for local communities.

Confirming the £7.6 million investment on road schemes in the area during the 2015/16 financial year, Minister Hazzard said: 

“Improving transport connections along our key routes while ensuring the road network which is fit for purpose for all users, is a priority for the Executive.

“Investment of £7.6 million in Ards and North Down over the past year including a number of resurfacing schemes such as the A2 Belfast Road, Bangor, the A20 Deer Park Road and the B170 Balymiscaw Road are making a real difference for local communities, improving road safety and reducing journey times for local people, as well ensuring the road network is maintained for the future.

‘’I am also pleased to note the work in developing the cycle facilities around Bangor. The new traffic signal controlled roundabout at Gransha Road has provided new controlled PUFFIN and TOUCAN crossings, improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, in particular vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly and has proven to be of great benefit to those accessing the local schools.

Minister continued: 

“June’s announcement of an additional £28 million for my Department is a welcome boost and while it is necessary to prioritise activity, a significant part of this will be used to improve rural roads and roads maintenance.”

TransportNI Southern Division Manager Simon Richardson attended tonights Ards and North Down Council meeting and highlighted a number of other improvement and maintenance schemes completed during 2015/16.

He also clarified the current position in relation to grass cutting services saying:  “To ensure public safety is not compromised, sightlines will be cut as required throughout the season.  Currently, all roadside verges and sightline grass will be cut at least twice in the period April to October. 

Notes to editors: 

The following schemes were completed in 2015/16:

1. Traffic signal controlled roundabout at Gransha Road which included new controlled PUFFIN and TOUCAN crossings improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and those with a disability and has proven to be of great benefit to those accessing the local schools
2. A2 Belfast Road, Bangor 12,000 sqm - resurfacing
3. A20 Deerpark Road, Portaferry 14,000 sqm – resurfacing
4. B170 Ballymiscaw Road, Holywood – 7,400 sqm - resurfacing
5. A21 Saintfield Road, Ballygowan – 6,500 sqm - resurfacing
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