Minister updates on Limavady road schemes

He congratulated Roads Service and its contractors for the successful completion of the record number of road resurfacing schemes in 2011/2012.

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting at the Limavady Borough Council offices, the Minister said: “Last year’s budget for structural maintenance and local transport and safety measures allowed a good range of such schemes to be successfully delivered by Roads Service.

“Roads Service’s budgets for road maintenance and improvement schemes are greatly reduced this year, in line with the four year budget agreed by the Executive. However, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services.

“I am pleased to note that work on the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven dual carriageway scheme is progressing well. The Environmental Statement, draft Direction Order and draft Vesting Order Roads Service have been published. When comments have been fully considered I will make a decision on holding a Public Inquiry into the proposals.”

The Minister also welcomed Roads Service’s ‘Safer Routes to School Programme’ which included the installation of new flashing warning signs, road markings and coloured surfacing at St. Canice’s Primary School, Feeny.

Roads Service Principal Engineer Alan Keys also welcomed last year’s record expenditure on structural maintenance which allowed Roads Service to deliver a number of much needed projects. A total of 16.42km of resurfacing and 30.34km of surface dressing were completed in the Council area last year. Significant lengths of resurfacing were completed at Lower Main Street, Limavady, A6 Glenshane Road, B44 Altinure Road, B69 Baranailt Road and B192 Drumrane Road at Burnfoot Village.

Road improvement schemes delivered last year included realignment of the B192 Drumrane Road at its junction with Gortnaghey Road which was substantially completed in April this year. This scheme has significantly improved the carriageway standards at the junction through increased forward sight visibility around the bend and emerging from Gortnaghey Road, the provision of a right turning facility from Drumrane Road and upgraded surface drainage.

Provision of Vehicle Restraint Systems on either side of Aughlish Bridge on Glenedra Road is in progress and nearing completion. In addition replacement Vehicle Restraint Systems were completed at various locations throughout the Council area to a total value of approximately £264,000.

For a more complete look at Roads Service Schemes in the Limavady Borough Council area, see tomorrow’s Roe Valley Sentinel.