Over £9m worth of road upgrades are currently getting underway in Northern Ireland.

In three statements Development Minister Danny Kennedy has set out Roads Service's progress in Banbridge, Larne and Armagh.

Investment totaling £3.9million for maintenance schemes in the Banbridge District this year was outlined by the Minister.



Speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Banbridge District Council, the Minister said: "A wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes are underway or already complete in the Banbridge District.

"This includes completion of a road re-alignment scheme on the Rathfriland Road, Banbridge, at Mathers Corner. This scheme will improve safety significantly at this location.

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Meanwhile the Minister confirmed that the development of the A8 dual carriageway in Larne has continued on schedule.

A total of £2.35m has been invested in the Larne area. Along with the dual carriageway a wide range of improvement and maintenance schemes are underway.

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This includes completion of local road widening to assist turning movements at the junction of Pound Street and High Street. Additional facilities to assist pedestrians crossing have also been included in the junction upgrade.

Sight visibility improvement works on the A2 Coast Road at its junctions with Tower Road are also planned to commence in early October this year.

Elsewhere a £3.3million roads scheme on the A28 in Co Armagh has been announced.

The Minister confirmed that a contractor has been appointed to provide a climbing lane on the A28 Markethill Road at Edenaveys, south of Armagh city.

Contractors Gibson (Banbridge) Ltd are planning to begin work in mid-October and are expected to have it completed by Spring 2012.



Mr Kenny said: "This climbing lane will help traffic progression on this strategic road linking Armagh and Newry and enable more efficient movement of people, goods and services that will provide tangible benefits to the local economy. It will also improve access to and from the minor roads along this route.

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In an overall conclusion about his road improvement statements the Minister said: "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," he said.

(LB/BMcC)