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Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins has hailed the completion of a £780,000 upgrade on Dungannon Road, Portadown, which includes a new PUFFIN pedestrian crossing alongside a package of safety improvements.
Marking the switch-on of the crossing, the Minister met local residents and pupils and staff from St John the Baptist College and St John the Baptist Primary School. The scheme involved asphalt resurfacing of approximately 1.3 kilometres across Charles Street and Dungannon Road, improving the road surface and adding clearer road markings and extra warning signs to enhance safety.
Minister Kimmins said: "Road safety is an extremely high priority for my Department, and I am committed to working proactively to make our roads safer and address the needs of all road users. I am delighted to be in Portadown today to see the completed resurfacing works on the Dungannon Road and to officially mark the switch on of the new PUFFIN crossing.
"People in the area will be well aware of how busy the Dungannon Road is as a key strategic route into and out of Portadown. In recent years there has been a significant number of new houses built in the area, and it was therefore important that as part of our plans to upgrade the road we also considered the road safety impacts with new measures that will improve safety for local people including those going to either St John the Baptist College or St John the Baptist Primary School.
"The new PUFFIN crossing installed at the rear entrance to St John the Baptist College will benefit not only pupils, parents and school staff but will also assist pedestrians including more vulnerable road users as they access shops and services or attend the local church.
"As part of the resurfacing scheme a footway link was also constructed between the junctions of Craigwell Avenue and Charles Street to allow a safer crossing point as well as two new pedestrian islands on the main Dungannon Road at The Spires which will not only make it safer for pupils and residents to cross the road but will also help to lower vehicle speeds.
"The substantial investment of £780,000 for the Portadown area will deliver significant benefits for local businesses, residents and road users. The investment demonstrates my commitment to improving our road network, which is vital for connecting our businesses and communities."
