NI Roads Minister Conor Murphy has unveiled a £4.3m investment plans for Craigavon.

Yesterday, the Minister met with Craigavon Council to discuss ongoing Roads Services schemes in the borough.

Minister Murphy said: "Work has commenced on improving safety on a 1.1km stretch of the Carn Road at Carn Industrial Estate, Craigavon. The work involves widening, junction realignment and improved lighting on a number of junctions."

Highlighting the successful 2007-08 period for structural maintenance, Mr Murphy acknowledged the extra £17m allocated to this department, adding to the planned spend of £200m over the next three years. This follows last year's roads investment of almost £75m.

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Speaking about the proposed roads investment for Craigavon the Minister said: "We plan to spend £4.3m on various projects, including a new roundabout at Dollingstown Crossroads, improved sightlines and carriageway widening on Kernan Hill Road, Derryvore Lane and Killaghy Road subject to successful land agreements or vesting."

The Minister said these plans are in addition to ongoing programmes of local transport and safety measures, as well as resurfacing and surface dressing schemes.

Mr Murphy outlined other Craigavon schemes already underway: "A roundabout on the Gilford Road at Drumlin Hill, Portadown, a short length of footway on Damhill Road, Magheralin, carriageway widening at the junction of the Calvertstown and Plantation Roads and high friction surfacing on two approaches to roundabout four, Craigavon."

Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Traffic and Network Development Manager Reynold Nicholson noted the possible impact of the review of public administration on the Road Service, which will be in place by 2011, but added: "Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on scheme delivery in the Craigavon area."

(PR/JM)