Work on major resurfacing schemes in Queensway and Lisburn have been completed.

Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Kevin Monaghan, confirmed the news to Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council members.

Speaking as he addressed council members by video link he said: "Further major resurfacing schemes are currently underway on the A24 Saintfield Road, on Pond Park Road and on Legacurry Road. These schemes are due to be completed very shortly."

Mr Monaghan also highlighted Minister Mallon's commitment to investing in improved safety measures outside schools and highlighted eight locations across Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council area where measures are planned. He further noted the successful completion of the Blaris cycle way, linking Sprucefield Park and Ride site to the Lagan towpath at Blaris Road and plans to extend this route to Halftown Road.

He continued: "Street lighting measures promoted include LED retrofits at Old Hillsborough Road, Lisburn; Main Street, Glenavy; Baronscourt, Carryduff; and in Maghaberry. Minor works progressing onsite at present include the provision of a 55 metre length of new footway on the southern side of Carnreagh Hillsborough, linking Carnreagh Avenue to Downshire Park.

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"These projects will provide significant benefits to both the local community and enhance provision for all those walking and cycling, as well as those using roads in the Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area."

Mr Monaghan advised: "It has been an unprecedented year so far, caused by the impact of Covid-19. This resulted in our contractors being unable to work from mid-March until around mid-May, which had a knock on impact on our work programmes. I am pleased to advise that our contractors have been working again since May, to complete the schemes that were stopped and our 2020/21 programmes are now well underway.

"Divisional allocations have been confirmed and I am pleased to note that on the Capital side these are broadly similar to last year. Resource allocations will allow the Department to maintain the road network in a similar way to last year and I am pleased to report the Minister has allocated sufficient funding to allow a full street lighting repair service for the entire year and this is to be welcomed.

"The overall 2020/21 structural maintenance capital budget is £75 million for Northern Ireland and of this £12 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund, of which £10 million is targeted towards rural roads. For Lisburn & Castlereagh Council this translates to £0.75 million to be used to address areas of immediate need across the rural road network.

"My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic flow and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists. As the year progresses we will continue to bid for additional funding to maintain the integrity of the road network and additional schemes will be implemented as funding becomes available through the year."