News Release Page Title

23 November 2004

ROAD IMPROVEMENT MEANS SAFER ROAD FOR CASTLEREAGH

Minister of State, John Spellar MP, today announced the completion of £0.7 million of improvement works, on the Manse Road near Lagan College, Castlereagh.

The scheme is designed to reduce the potential for collisions and provide 1.3km of new footway on the Manse Road, between Four Winds and Lagan College. Roads Service realigned and widened the existing carriageway and provided a right turn pocket to facilitate traffic entering Glencregagh Road.

Speaking to public representatives and pupils from Lagan College at the new footpath, the Minister said: "This busy route, which carries over 13,500 vehicles per day, will see improved safety for pedestrians and motorists now that the road improvements have been completed. The carriageway widening and realignment, new footway and the lower speed limit will benefit all road users and, in particular, provide a safer environment for local pupils from Lagan College."

Roads Service worked closely with Lagan College, taking into account the needs of the pupils when designing the road improvements.

Over 500 indigenous trees and a large number of shrubs will be planted by Roads Service within the scheme limits, to replace those trees which were unavoidably removed to complete the improvement work.

The Minister added, "The level of investment in this scheme in the Castlereagh area is indicative of the continued high levels of investment across Northern Ireland in smaller scale road improvement schemes, that help to provide a safe, effective and reliable road network."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The main contractor for the scheme was Gibsons (Banbridge) Ltd.

  2. The scheme was substantially completed within the programmed 16-week contract period on time and within budget.

  3. Features of the scheme include:

  4. Horizontal and vertical carriageway realignment and widening

  5. Right turn pocket for Glencregagh Road and Lagan College

  6. 1.3km of new footway

  7. Three pedestrian refuge island

  8. Improved sightlines from Glencregagh Road

  9. Introduction of a 40mph speed restriction from 1 November 2004

  10. Extended Ulster Way underpass using unique funnel design

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