4 October 2004
ROADS SPENDING OVER £3M IN DOWN DISTRICT
Over £3M is being spent on structural road maintenance in Down District this year.
The figure was revealed by Divisional Roads Manager, Mr John White, as he presented DRD Roads Service's autumn report to Down District Council.
Mr White said: "The level of investment in the Down District Council area is indicative of the continued high levels of investment across Northern Ireland, that once again sees Road Service committing some £70m towards structural maintenance. It is worth noting that the vast bulk of this money, some 85% in fact, is being earmarked for work on non trunk roads, which form the bulk of the road network in this area."
Mr White updated Councillors on the progress of Minor Works schemes in the District:
"Works are substantially complete on the B1 Ardglass Road at Tobermoney, Downpatrick and works are due to begin in October 2004 on the Drumaness Road/ A24 Newcastle Road, Drumaness. Major resurfacing schemes have been completed on the A7 Belfast Road, Saintfield, the A24 Newcastle Road, Ballynahinch and the Vianstown Road, Downpatrick."
At the meeting, Mr White discussed the priorities for road improvement schemes in 2004/05 and 2005/ 06. He said:
"Subject to the availability of land and funding, road improvement schemes will be carried out at the following locations in the Down District Council area:
An overtaking lane is planned for the A7 road at Dorans Rock, the carriageway will be realigned on the B2 Annacloy Road, Downpatrick, a footway will be provided on the A25 road in Kilcoo and the B176 Bright cross roads will be improved. These works will be accompanied by several smaller local transport and safety measures, as well as a substantial resurfacing and surface dressing programme."
Mr White thanked the Council for its positive role in helping Roads Service develop its Local Transport and Safety Measures programme.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- Structural maintenance means the upkeep of the foundations and surfaces of roads and footways. It includes activities such as resurfacing, surface dressing, patching and rural road drainage.
- For media queries, contact Paddy Cullen or Anne McGivern at the DRD Press Office on 028 9054 0007/4.
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