19 April 2005
CHURCH BRAE / BELT ROAD JUNCTION IMPROVEMENTS
The Department for Regional Development (DRD) Roads Service is implementing a road improvement scheme at the junction of Church Brae and Belt Road in Londonderry. The primary objectives of the scheme are to reduce the higher than expected number of injury collisions at the junction and to make it easier for traffic to emerge from the minor roads.
Senior Traffic Engineer, Anthony Tohill, said: "The junction currently has the form of a crossroads, with both Church Brae and Irish Street joining Belt Road at an acute angle. In recent years there have been a number of collisions at the junction resulting from vehicles failing to stop when emerging from the side roads.
"In addition, traffic emerging from the side roads experiences some difficulty, particularly during peak hours," he said.
A number of possible solutions were examined, taking account of the collision history and the geometry of the site. A review of these options concluded that the best solution was to implement a double mini-roundabout scheme.
Mr Tohill said: "While this type of scheme has been used successfully at other locations in Northern Ireland, it will be the first of its kind in the city. The new junction layout is as shown on the drawing.
"This solution consists of two mini roundabouts, separated by a physical central island. The splitter islands on each approach will be painted to cater for the swept paths of long vehicles. The mini-roundabout islands will be raised to encourage better driver behaviour while still allowing overrunning where necessary.
"I would urge all drivers to proceed through the junction with care, particularly those who are travelling straight ahead or turning right, as depending on their direction of travel, they may have to give way to other traffic on two separate occasions", he added.
Work on the scheme is well advanced and it is expected that the roundabout islands and markings will be installed during the weekend of 23 and 24 April.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, DRD Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0372.
Click here to print this press release.
