Minister Mallon announces a £500,000 pedestrian safety improvement scheme at the McKinstry Road Roundabout, Dunmurry

Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has announced the start of a £500,000 pedestrian safety improvement scheme at the McKinstry Road Roundabout, Dunmurry.

Works on the scheme will start week commencing 22 November 2021 and take around four months to complete.

Minister Mallon said:

“I am committed to ensuring our infrastructure is inclusive for all our citizens and I am pleased to announce that my Department will be delivering improvements to the roundabout which will include significant safety improvements for pedestrians.

“The scheme will see the realignment of the roundabout and the provision of three new PUFFIN controlled pedestrian crossings on Creighton Road, McKinstry Road and Stewartstown Road. The aim is to improve road safety for pedestrians and in particular vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly, those who are visually impaired and those with a disability.

“This is a busy thoroughfare carrying some 20,000 vehicles per day and close to a Glider Halt, Business Park, School and the new McDonald’s Drive Thru Restaurant.  I gave a commitment to residents, to local young people in particular, that we would work exceptionably hard to accelerate a scheme at this location and we have done just that. 

“The crossings will also improve active travel opportunities in the area, providing safer access to those wishing to walk, wheel or cycle.

“I am confident the new crossings will make a big difference to the local community and visitors to the area.

“I would ask the public for their patience while these works are completed.”

With the construction of this type of scheme, delays to traffic in the vicinity of the works are expected. Road users are advised to allow extra time for their journey and if possible, to seek an alternative route. Local access for residents, businesses, users of schools and emergency services will be maintained during the works.

Notes to editors: 

1. PUFFIN stands for Pedestrian User Friendly Intelligent Crossing. The major differences between PUFFINS and Pelicans are that PUFFINS have the red/green man on the push button unit beside the pedestrian; there is no flashing amber signal to drivers – they are held on a red signal until pedestrians have completed their crossing and the time for pedestrians to cross the road can be extended by sensors which detect people still on the crossing.
2. Drivers also benefit from PUFFINS when a pedestrian pushes the push button and then moves away, the demand for the green man is cancelled so drivers do not experience an unnecessary delay.
3. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
4. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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