Whiteabbey reps call for action after three crashes in one week at Glenville Road junction

Local representatives in a Co Antrim village have called for "immediate action" after three crashes in one week at an accident hot spot.

The junction of the Glenville Road and Shore Road in Whiteabbey has been the site of many accidents over the years, with residents previously taking their own action to reduce such incidents by placing unofficial 'no right turn' signage at the junction.

Those turning right on to the Shore Road dual carriageway have to cross four lanes of busy traffic and can be found waiting long periods of time to turn during rush hours. Those turning left at the junction can also find themselves waiting for long periods of time at busy periods.

Read more: Whiteabbey residents call for action to ensure safety of road junction

Read more: Two people taken to hospital following NI crash

Last week alone, three crashes occurred at the busy junction. One of the incidents, which involved two cars and took place on Tuesday, April 30, resulted in two people being taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital by ambulance.

Speaking to Belfast Live at the junction, Alliance MLA Stewart Dickson called on the Department for Infrastructure to urgently examine the area and establish a traffic solution.

He said: "The reality is that the junction of Shore Road and Glenville Road has been a very problematic traffic incident spot for quite some time. There have been three or four very recent minor to major incidents where cars have been damaged and people have been injured in crashes.

"At this site, there is now an urgent need for the DFI road service to examine the area and come up with a very serious traffic solution. I'm not a road engineer, but I would suggest perhaps traffic lights, although there are traffic lights very close to this junction.

"Certainly, as of today, it's vitally important the safety box is well marked as it's clear the road markings have faded in this particular spot. So that's step number one urgently.

"In order to prevent more accidents, we need a very clear traffic solution here. I would say to road users if you use the Shore Road and the Glenville Road to take extra care.

"When it comes to safety issues, budget cannot and should never be an issue for the roads. If there's a build up of accidents here, all of these accidents will have contributed to PSNI statistics, and those statistics inform how road service have to deal with these things. It's absolutely clear there's been far too many incidents here, and that must raise a red flag."

In 2021, the Department for Infrastructure installed a yellow hatched box to assist motorists exiting the Glenville Road and turning right onto the A2 Shore Road, which the Department said has resulted in a 50% reduction in collisions.

Additionally, a safety review at the junction has been completed, with the Department now considering the findings.

Sinn Féin councillor for the Macedon DEA, Taylor McGrann, said "immediate action" is needed to resolve issues at the junction. He said: "Action is needed to improve safety measures at the junction between Glenville Road and Shore Road dual carriageway.

"This junction has seen numerous accidents in recent years, with three separate incidents this week. We have previously held a site visit to voice our concerns regarding the safety of this junction along with local residents and will be seeking urgent meetings asking for immediate action to be taken."

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "The Department is aware of the collision history at the junction of A2 Shore Road and Glenville Road and is actively considering options to improve road safety in the area.

"In 2021 the Department installed a yellow hatched box in order to assist motorists exiting Glenville Road and turning right onto the A2 Shore Road. This measure has resulted in a 50% reduction in collisions. We also instigated a safety review and appointed consultants to carry out surveys and provide options for the Department’s consideration.

"That safety review has now been completed and the Department is considering the findings. In relation to the most recent incident the Department sympathises with all those involved. We will liaise with the PSNI as they complete their investigations into the cause and will consider any identified actions for the Department to take forward.”

Police said they are aware of concerns raised about the Glenville Road and Shore Road junction, and will monitor the area.

Inspector Knowles added: "It is a busy junction especially at peak times and I would urge motorists to take responsibility and ensure they pay attention and drive safely. The Police Service of Northern Ireland will certainly do all we can to support any safety improvements that the DFI could implement.

“We encourage the public to make contact through our non-emergency number 101, to speak to their Neighbourhood Policing Team, who can liaise with colleagues in Roads Policing to action any further concerns.”

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