Junction fears mounting as car collides with bus
The Junction on the Dungannon Road where there have been a series of accidents. INPT11-227
TWO people were taken to hospital after a car and a bus collided at Dungannon Road on Saturday evening, the latest in a series of crashes in the area.
It happened at 5.30pm where the Rector’s Turns meets the main road, forming a crossroads with the narrow lane leading to Ashbrook and Selshion Manor housing developments, and is the latest witnessed by residents of the 100-or-so homes.
Police confirmed that the injured parties were in the car, adding that their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, and they asked for witnesses to contact them.
A witness to the accident was full of praise for the emergency services.
She said, “I was first to the car at the scene along with two other ladies who also witnessed the accident. They called 999, we did what we could for the injured and mainly I just talked to those in the car and tried to keep them calm and still until the emergency services arrived.
“I am full of admiration for how quickly the fire, police and ambulances arrived and for the sensitive yet urgent manner in which they carried out their duties and all pulled together to help those involved.”
Angry residents said the crash brought to “about a dozen” the number of accidents on the road over the past few months, “and somebody is going to be killed”. The latest was just before Christmas (pictured) when a woman had to be cut out of a vehicle.
A spokesman for the residents said, “The narrow lane runs between the Dungannon Road and the Moy Road and doesn’t even have a name - we used to call it Lover’s Lane - but the district has developed beyond recognition since then, with about 100 houses added and more being planned. Residents literally take their lives in their hands as they try to access the main Dungannon Road by car. The roads provision simply hasn’t kept pace with the building programme.
“The exit to the Dungannon Road comes out just opposite the Drumcree Road - or Rector’s Turns. Sight lines are impeded by a hedge and motorists are put in further danger by the fact that the 30 miles speed limit stops near Litter’s shop on the town side. We feel it should be extended beyond the crossroads, as cars really accelerate heading towards the M1.
“We need more road markings and a complete survey made of the area - and we certainly need an upgrading for the unnamed road, with proper access and sight lines. It really is dangerous. There has been a litany of accidents and somebody is going to be killed.”
He spoke of a lorry that had ended up through a garden fence, of a series of meetings with councillors, MLAs and other officers, “but nothing has been done”.
“There used to be a three-ton limit on vehicles using the lane, which is handy for driving from the Moy to Dungannon Roads,” he added. “They say these things take time, but this area - which used to be rural - is now virtually urban and it’s high time the authorities acted. About 100 houses are affected by this, and when we hear of other developments turned down because of road consideration, we have a wry smile to ourselves. It would be funny if it wasn’t so dangerous. Accidents are virtually a monthly occurrence.”
A spokesperson for DRD said, “Roads Service is not aware of any issues relating to this area and have not received any correspondence on the matter. We would be happy to investigate an appropriate request for improvements if received.”
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Weather for Portadown
Friday 24 May 2013
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 4 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: North
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Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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