Despite a year of disruption due to the pandemic, the Department for Infrastructure has completed most of its 2020/21 programme of work in Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council.

In an update to the Council, the DfI outlined which road maintenance, improvement works and active travel schemes were successfully delivered in the last annual year, and which are scheduled for 2021/22.

Utilising new working practices to proceed with Covid-safe projects, a number of key resurfacing schemes were delivered along with the completion of three further phases of shared footway and cycleway on the A6 Foreglen Road near Dungiven at a total cost of £261,300.

Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Colin Hutchinson also confirmed just under £1.6million of funding from Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon's Blue/Green Fund we will be used to progress an additional seven schemes in the 2021/22 year.

"Earlier in this financial year Minister Mallon announced the roll out of part time 20mph speed limit schemes at 103 schools across Northern Ireland and I am pleased to confirm that nine schools across the Causeway Coast and Glens Council area have already benefited from this programme," Hutchinson commented. "It is the Minister's intention to take forward a further tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools and all schools in the Causeway Coast and Glens area will be assessed and prioritised to inform the 2021/22 programme."

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He added: "I am pleased to advise that this year's initial capital allocation has been increased and this has allowed an increase in funding for structural maintenance across Northern Division in 2021‑22 including within the 'road recovery fund'. This level of investment is very welcome as it moves towards the figures required annually to maintain the road network in a reasonable condition. Our main focus now is to seek to ensure that we have sufficient design and contracting resource available to deliver on this significant increase in capital funding. The Minister has also allocated funding to allow a full street lighting repair service for the entire year which is to be welcomed.

“My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic progression and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists.

"I would also finally like to highlight a very successful year for the two A6 Flagship projects. You will be aware that we recently completed the Randalstown to Castledawson scheme and this has already brought significant benefits for the 22,000 vehicles using the route each day. 

"I'm also pleased to confirm that significant progress continues on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe scheme and it is due for completion next year."