Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has congratulated Roads Service and its contractors on the successful completion of the 2010/2011 programme of works and welcomed the planned £5.16 million for road maintenance in the Derry City Council area this year.

The Minister said: "Despite last year’s reduced budget for local transport and safety measures, a good range of such schemes has been successfully delivered by Roads Service.

“While the tightening public expenditure environment is due to continue, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services.”

Speaking on strategic road improvements Mr Kennedy said: “During 2010/11 development of the A5 Western Transport Corridor (WTC) project continued on schedule. The draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement were published in November 2010 and followed by a formal consultation period which ended in January 2011. Comments and objections received during the consultation period have resulted in holding a public inquiry. The Public Inquiry commenced on the 9 May 2011 and is now complete. The Inspectors Report on the Inquiry is expected in the autumn.

"Also, development of the Londonderry to Dungiven dual carriageway scheme continues and I expect the draft Statutory Orders – Environmental Statement, Direction Order and Vesting Order – will be published later this year. Publication of these Orders will invite formal comment and objection and this will most likely lead to a public inquiry in spring 2012, to examine the case for and against the scheme.”

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The Minister also welcomed the progress being made to upgrade one of the busiest junctions in the City at Culmore roundabout. Construction is progressing well to convert the existing small roundabout to a signalised roundabout and it is expected to be completed by mid-August. The aim of the scheme is to improve traffic progression through the junction, reduce queue lengths and delays and to increase capacity to deal with predicted growth in the volume of traffic in the longer term.

He said: “Local transport and safety measures in conjunction with resurfacing works were introduced on Irish Street and Crescent Link. A raised table junction was constructed at the junction of Irish Street with Crescent Link to reduce the speed of traffic going through the mini-roundabout. A new road layout was also introduced on Crescent Link to provide a right turn lane for Crescent Road and an extension of the two lane approach to Altnagelvin roundabout.

“Other significant schemes included the installation of signals on the northern approach to Crescent Link Fire Station to enable emergency vehicles to exit the station unimpeded by traffic on Crescent Link. High-friction surfacing has been laid on the Madam’s Bank Road approach to Caw Roundabout to address a collision site and a new bus turning facility was provided at Brigade to enable buses servicing the area to turn safely. The facility incorporates a new bus stop and waiting area.

“Upgrading of lengths of safety barrier on the B74 Glenshane Road was also recently completed.”

The Minister also welcomed Roads Service’s proposed programme for the year ahead including Phase Two of the scheme to upgrade the Trench Road which consists of approximately 500m of carriageway widening with the provision of verges to accommodate road visibility requirements.

Work will commence this year to complete the cycle path link along Queen’s Quay to improve pedestrian access to the river. A scheme will also be taken forward this year to upgrade the signals at the junction of Dungiven Road and Clooney Terrace. Consideration is also being given to improving bus facilities at a number of locations in the City.

(GK)