Yahoo News Stormont department gives update on road infrastructure projects across Belfast
The Department for Infrastructure has given an update on roadworks across Belfast, highlighting some work that is due to be completed in the coming months.
Speaking at a Belfast City Council meeting on Wednesday, November 27, DfI Divisional Roads Manager Des McFarlane said that the department faces a number of challenges with its 2024/25 budget, but is committed to advancing local transport, safety schemes and maintenance programs aimed at improving road safety.
He said: “Northern Ireland’s road network is the largest and most valuable strategic infrastructure asset and delivers for people every day to go about their daily lives. It is recognised that there is more to do to improve and protect the vital road network and the Department is maximising its resources to deliver positive impacts.
Read more: Minister considering further temporary 20mph zones after successful trial at NI schools
Read more: Northern Ireland Water strike could see thousands cut off
"The Department’s 2024/25 budget allocation is challenging however we will continue to prioritise essential frontline services. Minister O’Dowd has recently allocated almost £19m from October monitoring for essential and structural road maintenance and street lighting work. He has also funded a £1m targeted intervention for gully emptying given the potential impact of severe weather and the resultant risk of flooding.”
He said that over the next year the department aims to start controlled crossing equipment upgrades at Upper Lisburn Road / Entrance to Musgrave Park Hospital and Glen Road / Bingnian Drive and Signal junction upgrades and puffin crossing facilities at York Street / Frederick Street and Bradbury Place/ Lisburn Road and Sandy Row/ Lisburn Road.
Work is currently ongoing on road surfacing schemes in areas such as Forthriver Road and Grays Park area in Belvoir.
Mr McFarlane continued: “Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25. Over the next year, in the Belfast City Council area, we plan to take forward controlled crossing equipment upgrades incorporating extra low voltage equipment and puffin crossing facilities at Upper Lisburn Road / Entrance to Musgrave Park Hospital and Glen Road / Bingnian Drive and Signal junction upgrades incorporating extra low voltage equipment and puffin crossing facilities at York Street / Frederick Street and Bradbury Place/ Lisburn Road and Sandy Row/ Lisburn Road.
"Recently, we completed a carriageway and footway resurfacing scheme on Kings Road in September and resurfacing on Belmont Church Road and Creightons Road in Belfast. Additional resurfacing schemes currently being completed in the council area, include Forthriver Road and Grays Park area in Belvoir. Other recently completed projects, including a street lighting upgrade scheme for Upper Malone Road.
"The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian, wheeling and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices particularly shorter everyday journeys. In Belfast, design work is ongoing for the majority of schemes on the Belfast Cycling Network short term scheme list and pedestrian enhancements are ongoing at McKinstry Road /Derriaghy Road/ The Cutts.”
In conclusion, Mr McFarlane said: “These projects will bring significant benefits to both the local community and commuters in the Belfast City Council area.”
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our politics newsletter here.
