Members of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council received an update on road maintenance and improvement works for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

During a meeting on Monday, 28 October, Divisional Roads Manager Mark McPeak highlighted the importance of Northern Ireland's road network and the department's ongoing efforts to improve and maintain it.

Despite budgetary constraints, the DfI remains committed to prioritising essential services, including local transport schemes, safety improvements, and routine maintenance programs. These initiatives aim to enhance road safety and overall road conditions.

Mr McPeak continued: "Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25. We have also completed a series of street lighting upgrade schemes including Fort Street in Banbridge, Ann Street in Lurgan and Mourneview Park in Tandragee.

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"Other recently completed projects, include a carriageway widening and resurfacing scheme on Portadown Road in Armagh, carriageway resurfacing on Newry Road in Poyntzpass and the Northway in Portadown. Planned resurfacing schemes across the borough, include the Moy Road in Armagh, Banbridge Road in Lurgan, and Kilmore Road in Loughgall. There has been 162 kilometres of surface dressing work completed across the borough this year that has included, Castleblaney Road in Keady, Bleary Road in Portadown and Ennislare Road in Armagh.

"The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices particularly shorter everyday journeys. The Department is developing a Northern Ireland wide Active Travel Delivery Plan that includes an update of our policies and design guidance for Active Travel as well as network plans for our larger towns and cities. We aim to consult the public on this plan later in 2024.  In the meantime, we are continuing to deliver improvements and have completed pedestrian measures at Brownstown Road in Portadown and as part of this year's programme, we have completed an upgraded puffin crossing facilities at Francis Street in Lurgan. We are also planning to upgrade part of the Blackpaths footway and cycle network in Craigavon as well as taking forward the procurement for the replacement of Moylinn East footbridge."

Mr McPeak also said: "Infrastructure Minister John O'Dowd MLA announced in July that the A1 upgrade scheme is moving to the procurement stage, with further advancement contingent upon Business Case approval, completion of statutory procedures, and securing funding."

In conclusion, Mr McPeak said: "These projects will bring significant benefits to the local community and commuters throughout the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon area."