Investment of £4.4million in Derry and Strabane roads benefits local communities – Hazzard

An investment of £4.4million in Derry and Strabane roads over the past year is bringing real benefits for local communities, says Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard.

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

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

“The investment of more than £4 million in Derry and Strabane over the past year is making a real difference, improving road safety and reducing journey times for local people, as well as ensuring the road network is maintained for the future.

“In February 2016, a new Environmental Statement and draft Orders were published for the A5 Western Transport Corridor. A public inquiry has been programmed for autumn 2016 and, subject to the successful completion of all the statutory procedures, it is hoped that construction can commence in late 2017 on Phase 1A (between New Buildings and north of Strabane) in line with the ‘A Fresh Start’ Agreement.

“There have also been a number of other improvement and maintenance schemes completed to improve visibility, safety and the quality of the local roads network.  I welcomed the completion of new £35,000 traffic signal upgrade on the lower deck of Craigavon Bridge. The new smart signal detection system continually responds to queue lengths by adjusting green times to suit traffic conditions, providing an efficient junction control and reducing delays.”

Speaking at today’s Council meeting, TransportNI Western Division Manager, Conor Loughrey highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes that were completed during 2015/16: 

“I am pleased to note the completion of Phase 2 of the £40,000 Berryhill Road footway linking Donemana Primary School to the village.

“Other significant schemes delivered in 2015/16 financial year were schemes funded by the Departments’ Cycling Unit at £160,000 including Clooney Road footway/cyclepath widening from Caw Roundabout up to Broomhill Avenue. We also provided 800 metres of shared use footway-cycleway along Ringfort Road between St Ethines Primary School and Holy Family Primary School.

“Approximately 30 kilometres of carriageway was resurfaced at a total cost of £1.06 million in 2015/16 at locations including B47 Dergbrough Road, Plumbridge, B507 Northland Road, Londonderry, C677 Peacock Road, Sion Mills, U1593 Rossdowney Avenue, Gardens and Drive, Derry City. In addition to the resurfacing programme 133 kilometres of carriageway was also surfaced dressed at a cost over £700,000.”

Notes to editors: 

Media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure press office on 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.

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