Regional Development minister Conor Murphy announced the £8 million investment ahead of this afternoon's meeting between Roads Service and Belfast City Council. The Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the city.
"Significant progress continues to be made on the M1/Westlink Project," Mr Murphy said. "The Grosvenor Road junction was opened to traffic in March 2008, with the new slip roads greatly improved access to Belfast City Centre and the Royal Group of Hospitals."
A number of important safety improvements will take place this year by Roads Service - in conjunction with Northern Ireland Railways - including improvements to the bridge over the railway line at Finaghy Road North; provision of a safety barrier at Nelson Street; the installation of a pelican crossing on the Falls Road near the City Cemetery and traffic calming schemes for the Kensington Road area, Clarawod Park and Coolnasilla Park.
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The Minister also said that 2007/08 had been a successful year for Structural Maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17 million of extra funding being allocated to this function.
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Acting Divisional Roads Manager Ken Hutton said there were significant challenges to be faced.
"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next 10 years, with investment totalling £3 billion. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered," Mr Hutton said.
"Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the reform of public administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011.
"Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Belfast City Council area."
(JM/NS)
