Road safety to the fore as Mallon visits County Down
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has highlighted her commitment to road safety during a visit to County Down today.
The Minister visited a £110k resurfacing scheme in Market Square, Dromore which the Department is taking forward as part of a wider Environmental Scheme with the Department for Communities and Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.
She also visited Banbridge where a new 20mph speed limit scheme is about to go live to facilitate safety in the vicinity of Banbridge Academy and Edenderry Primary School in the town. Later in the day the Minister visited various new road schemes in Newry and discussed safety concerns on the A1 at Drumantine / Sheepbridge. The Minister also visited Warrenpoint Port.
Speaking during the visits, Nichola Mallon said:
“The safety of all those travelling on our roads is a priority for me.
"As the Minister responsible for promoting and improving road safety I will continue to work actively with partners to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries across our roads network.
"The roll-out of part-time 20mph schemes here in Banbridge and at a total of 103 schools this year, is a demonstration of that partnership working and delivery for the good and safety of all road users around schools. This is part of a £2 million investment which I announced during the last academic year and will benefit 26 schools in the Southern Roads Division.
"I also was very happy to see the progress taking place on the ground with the Market Square scheme in Dromore and in Newry where a range of new signalised crossing facilities for residents will soon be operational. All of these schemes demonstrate the importance of a good partnership approach which delivers safety and accessibility for everyone.”
Notes to editors:
- The resurfacing scheme in Dromore will extend for a distance of 800 metres and includes all of Market Square. Church Street will also be resurfaced from Market Street to the roundabout and Bridge Street will be resurfaced from the Elim Church to Meeting Street.
- In Newry, a new Puffin crossing will soon become operational for pedestrians on John Mitchell Place, in close proximity to the market gates. A new signalised junction at the crossroads of St Mary’s Street / Ballybot Bridge / The Mall / Mill Street to facilitate pedestrians crossing and an upgrade of signals on Ballybot Bridge to facilitate pedestrians crossing at the bus station and car park entrance / exit will also go live in the coming days.
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