New link road for M1 and A1 in plans for next few years says minister

Speaking ahead of Monday evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Lisburn City Council, the Minister said the provision of the link would reduce journey times by avoiding delays in the Sprucefield area and include grade separation of the roundabout junction on the A1 at Hillsborough.

“Subject to development of the proposal and the availability of funding, the DRD’s Investment Delivery Plan for Roads indicates an estimated scheme delivery date between 2014 and 2018” he said.

Mr Kennedy also set out Roads Service’s progress on investment totalling £6 million for maintenance schemes in the Lisburn area this year.

“Complementing our road resurfacing programme, a carriageway refurbishment programme is also being progressed to overlay, strengthen and improve the durability of significant stretches of road” he said.

“Completed locations to date include Tullyrusk Road, Crewe Road and Howe Road with further roll out planned for Carnreagh Road, Hillhall Road and Barnfield Road.

“The priorities and constraints placed on funding levels by Budget 2010 mean it is likely the programme of local transport and safety measures in 2012/13 and 2013/14 will be under considerable pressure. While current indications are that funding for resurfacing and minor improvement works will be very limited next year, I remain committed to delivering these important schemes as resources permit. The autumn round of Council meetings is a timely opportunity for Councils to discuss potential schemes and priorities for incoming and future years.”

At the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, John Irvine highlighted a number of improvement and maintenance schemes currently planned or progressed this year. “I am pleased to note the programming of street lighting schemes which include Springburn Park, The Cutts and Hillhall Road; construction of a new ramp linking and providing disabled access between Knockmore Road and Addison Park; provision of 85 metres of new footway over two stretches along Bells Lane plus replacement of the existing road restraint system to provide pedestrian access from Queensway to Aberdelghy Park.”

Mr Irvine also referred to a traffic calming scheme that is currently programmed for Lower Ballinderry Village plus planned gateway treatments for the villages of Ravarnet and Stoneyford. These road safety improvements will complement other recently completed enhancements under our Safer Routes to School programme at Rowandale Integrated plus Christ the Redeemer and Downshire primary schools.