The Department for Infrastructure is making progress with a series of road maintenance and improvements in Ards and North Down.

Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Mark McPeak addressed Ards and North Down Borough Council members, delivering updates on projects across the region.

Mr McPeak said: "The Department completed extensive resurfacing works across the Council area in 2021/22 including schemes on Belfast Road and Tillysburn Bridge Slip in Holywood, Rowreagh Road in Kircubbin, Comber Road in Ballygowan, Glenard Road in Newtownards and Bloomfield Roundabout in Bangor. 

"I am pleased to confirm that the second tranche of the new part-time 20mph speed limit at schools are programmed to be operational at nine schools during autumn 2022 which follows on from the six schools that benefited from the initiative in 2021."

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He continued: "The Department recognises the importance of street lighting and delivered a full repair service in 2021/22 and is currently continuing in 2022/23 as part of the contingency planning budget. Total expenditure on street lighting during the 2021/22 year amounted to approximately £2 million and included both full system replacement schemes and energy efficient LED lantern schemes. A number of locations in Bangor received LED lighting including the A21 (Phase 1), Moyne Road, Pinehill Area, and Ashdale, as well as John Street in Newtownards and Rosepark in Donaghdee, that not only improves the quality of lighting but is also more energy efficient, given the Department’s commitment to climate action. Further proposed replacement schemes are planned in 2022/23.

"The Department 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."