23 October 2006
ROADS SERVICE TO INVEST £5 MILLION IN BELFAST
Roads Service is investing £5 million in capital schemes and maintenance works in the Belfast City Council area this year.
In addition, £104 million is committed to the M1/Westlink improvement project, which is for work being carried out over the next three years.
Speaking to Belfast City Council as he delivered the Autumn Report, Dr. Andrew Murray, from Roads Service's Eastern Division said: "The M1/ Westlink improvement project is on a key part of the Strategic Road Network which provides the main access route to the south and west of the Province and the Republic of Ireland. Not only is this scheme significant in its own right, but it also marks the first privately financed roads project in Northern Ireland. The scheme is being progressed using a Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) form of contract.
"In this year's programme of works, we have included several minor works schemes. These include a left turn lane from Cairnburn Road onto Circular Road and an Environmental Improvement scheme at Connswater Street.
"Roads Service has made every effort to keep disruption to a minimum during these works and has completed as many schemes as possible during the summer months, when there is generally less traffic. However, most road users appreciate that road improvements cannot be achieved without some disruption to traffic," he said.
"In the last three years, some £735 million has been spent on developing and maintaining the road network across Northern Ireland - £495 million on road maintenance and £240 million on improvement schemes. This represents a huge investment in Northern Ireland's infrastructure."
Looking to the future, Dr. Murray said: "The A55 Outer Ring Road at Knock Road is part of a strategic route that is subject to congestion, particularly at peak times. Following public consultation, an amended option for improvement of this corridor has been identified. Subject to approval and funding of this preferred option, it is hoped to commence the related statutory processes during the next financial year."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Media queries to: Paddy Cullen or Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0372.
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