The Department for Infrastructure has provided a road maintenance and improvement works update for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25 to council members in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

During a meeting which took place on Monday, November 25, Divisional Roads Manager Mr Alan Keys highlighted the need to do more to improve and protect the road network while stating the Department was 'maximising its resources to deliver positive engineering impacts.'

Mr Keys also recognised the Department's 2024/25 budget allocation, noting it as "challenging" however, he affirmed the Department's commitment to advancing local transport, safety schemes and maintenance programs aimed at improving road safety.

He said: "Minister O'Dowd has recently allocated almost £19m from October monitoring for essential and structural road maintenance and street lighting work. 

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"He has also funded a £1m targeted intervention for gully emptying given the potential impact of severe weather and the resultant risk of flooding.

"Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in effect during 2024/25."

Mr Keys then noted a number of safety improvements and resurfacing schemes which the Department will deliver in 2024/25, including schemes on the B39 Seven Mile Straight, Muckamore, B52 Portglenone Road, Randalstown, B95 Mallusk Road, Templepatrick, B52 Paradise Walk, Parkgate and B523 O’Neill Roundabout, Glengormley along with the completion of almost 59 lane kilometres of surface dressing.

Mr Keys continued: "The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian, wheeling and cycling measures to provide greater active travel choices particularly for shorter everyday journeys.

"The Department has developed 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. 

"Consultation on the plan opened on Wednesday, November 13 and will close on February 28, 2025."

He added: "In the meantime, we are continuing to take forward design work on active travel schemes in the area, including a scheme to provide shared facilities on the Glenavy Road linking Crumlin and Glenavy."