Belfast to benefit from £80m roads funding

A record of just under £80 million will be spent on Belfast's roads this year, it was announced today.

The figure was revealed by Divisional Roads Manager, Joe Drew, as he presented a Roads Service’s interim report to Belfast City Council.

Mr Drew said: "Structural maintenance spending across Northern Ireland is at an all time high of almost £80 million this year, which matches the figure envisaged by the Regional Transportation Strategy."

Mr Drew told councillors of how £6 million was being put to use within the Belfast area. He said: "Major resurfacing work has been completed on a portion of Westlink and Upper Newtownards Road.

"It is necessary to maintain our roads regularly to strengthen them, improve the running surface and improve safety for all road users. Most types of road repairs will cause some traffic disruption.

"However, Roads Service has been working hard to minimise delays by keeping road closures to a minimum and avoiding peak traffic times where possible. Our contractors have also taken advantage of the good summer and autumn weather to progress schemes during this period."

At the meeting, Mr Drew also updated councillors on the progress of schemes being carried out during 2003/04 and priorities for 2004/05.

He said: "Works to provide 600 meters of footway on the Monagh Bypass have been completed. This new facility will greatly increase the safety of pedestrians along this section of carriageway.

"New safety measures have been introduced at Crumlin Road/Upper Hightown Road/Horseshoe Road, including high friction surfacing, street lighting and improved traffic signs."

Mr Drew thanked the Council for its role in helping Roads Service develop its Local Transport and Safety Measures programme.

(MB)