Improvement scheme plans announced

Transport Minister Danny Kennedy has announced that a £190,000 road and footway improvement scheme on Thornleigh Drive is set to begin on Monday November 24.

The resurfacing scheme will extend on Thornleigh Drive from Laurelhill Road to Antrim Road. Work is expected to be complete by Thursday February 5.

Whilst the Department’s resource budget for activities such as routine maintenance is severely reduced, funding for this scheme is from the capital budget for major projects and new road schemes which is less affected by the current pressures.

“This scheme will increase the life of the road, greatly improve the strength and ride quality of the carriageway for drivers and enhance the footpath for pedestrians,” said Mr Kennedy.

The Minister also announced that a £90,000 carriageway improvement scheme on Mullaghcarton Road, Maghaberry is due to begin on the same day and is expected to be completed by early December.

“This scheme will increase the life of the road and local residents quickly realise the benefits of the greatly improved ride quality of the carriageway,” said Mr Kennedy.

Work on both schemes will take place daily Monday-Friday from around 8am to 6pm. To help ensure the safety of the public and contractors it will be necessary to have temporary traffic management measures in place. Closures will be required to complete the final surface phase of the works.

All diversions and closures will be well sign posted. Local access will be maintained throughout the scheme.

As with all improvements of this type the scheduled dates are subject to favourable weather conditions. TransportNI will keep the public informed of any revisions.

TransportNI has carefully planned the improvements to minimise any inconvenience to the public, however, drivers should expect some delays and are advised to leave additional time when travelling in the area.