O’Dowd visits West Belfast to discuss a number of roads and traffic issues

Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd has visited west Belfast to discuss a range of roads and traffic issues in the area.

During his visit the Minister met with members of the community and elected representatives at a number of sites to hear at first hand their concerns and to discuss potential actions.  This included a visit to the junction of McKinstry Road and The Cutts to discuss road safety issues and a meeting with Hannahstown Community Association regarding the provision of a new footway through the village.

Minister O’Dowd said:

“I was pleased to visit a number of sites in west Belfast today to receive representations on behalf of residents on important issues such as road maintenance, active travel schemes and traffic calming measures.  I am committed to listening to local people and delivering improvements where it is possible to do so.   

“I am very aware of the public concerns about right-turn facilities at the junction of McKinstry Road and The Cutts. The solution identified to address this issue involves fully controlling the right turn movements within the signal phasing and I am pleased to advise that the detailed design for such a scheme has recently been completed and land acquisition is also progressing.  My officials are also working on preparation of the contract documents for the scheme.  Subject to availability of resources, this will allow the Department to take the scheme forward upon satisfactory completion of the land acquisition process.

“I also had a very useful meeting with Hannahstown Community Association and assured them that improving facilities for pedestrians in Hannahstown is a priority for me.  My Department is fully committed to progressing the design of the proposed new footway as soon as is practicable.  The delivery of the scheme will be subject to the availability of funding when all statutory processes have been completed.”

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 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.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure

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