Roads Service Spending Ł3.3 Million in Armagh Area

1 November 2004
ROADS SERVICE SPENDING Ł3.3 MILLION IN ARMAGH AREA
Over Ł3.3 million is being spent on structural road maintenance in Armagh City and district this year. The figure was revealed, by Divisional Roads manager, Mr John White, as he presented DRD Roads Service's autumn report to Armagh City and District Council.

Mr White said: "The level of investment in Armagh is indicative of the continued high levels of investment across Northern Ireland that, once again, sees Roads Service committing some Ł70m 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 and said: "Improvement works are completed on the B2 Mullahead Road, Tandragee, U8341 Aghavilly Junction Improvement, A28 Newry Road, Armagh, Gambles Road, Poyntzpass and at the A28 Killyleagh Road, Armagh at Ballycrummy Road. Traffic-calming schemes have also commenced at Railway Street, Armagh, Umgola Road, Armagh, Irish Street, Armagh, Nursery Road/Callanbridge Road, Armagh and Armagh Road at Crossmore Green, Keady.

"Major resurfacing schemes have been completed on the Monaghan Road, St Patrick's Street, Keady, Tassah Road, Keady, Blackisland Road, from Deryhirk Road to Ardress Road, Armaghbreague Road and Granemore Road."

At the meeting, Mr White discussed the priorities for road improvement schemes in 2005/06 and 2006/07. He said: "Subject to the availability of land and funding, road improvement schemes will be carried out at the following locations in Armagh City and District: The A29 Newtownhamilton/Keady Road, Newtownhamilton will be improved by junction and bend upgrading. Bridge widening and sightline improvements are planned on the Battleford Road and a new footway link is proposed on the Cathedral Road Armagh. Further schemes are planned at Brootally Crossroads and at Corcreevy Road, Richhill. 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 Ann Williamson at the DRD Press Office on (028) 9054 0007.

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