Council receives an update on key infrastructure projects for Derry City and Strabane District Council 2021

Derry City and Strabane District Council members have been updated by the Department for Infrastructure on road maintenance, improvement works and active travel schemes in 2020/21 and those planned for 2021/22.

Speaking as he addressed Council members this evening, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr David McKinley said: 

“The 2020/21 year was unprecedented due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However we worked closely with our contractors to develop new working practices to ensure that much needed road maintenance and improvement works could proceed and as a result most of our 2020/21 programme was successfully delivered despite the absence of work over the first part of the year.

“During the year a number of significant resurfacing schemes have been completed including Melmount Road, Foyle Embankment, Bellspark Road, Fyfin Road, Glenshane Road, Edenreagh Road, Ardmore Road and Carnanreagh Road.

“Minister Mallon is committed to the delivery of active travel schemes across Northern Ireland and to making walking and cycling a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. I am therefore pleased that we have also delivered a number of active travel improvements in year including the work in June 2020 at Queen’s Quay to widen the existing path and aid social distancing, introduction of a new controlled crossing on the Skeoge Link from Clon Elagh to Glenabbey and Phase 1 of a footway widening and new shared use path at Temple Road, Strathfoyle.

“As a result of £715,000 funding from the Minister’s Blue/Green Fund we will be progressing further schemes in the 2021/22 year including further phases of the shared cycleway at Strathfoyle to extend towards Maydown. These schemes will further enhance the active travel provision in the area.

“In the 2020/21 financial year Minister Mallon announced the roll out of part time 20mph speed limit schemes at 103 schools across Northern Ireland and I am pleased to confirm that nine schools across the Derry and Strabane Council area are in the process of benefitting from this programme. It is the Minister’s intention to take forward a further tranche of part-time 20mph speed limits at schools and all schools in the Derry and Strabane area will be assessed and prioritised to inform the 2021/22 programme.”

Continuing Mr McKinley said:

“Total expenditure on street lighting during 20/21 amounted to £4,199,000 including £936,000 on energy costs and £890,000 on energy efficient LED replacement lanterns. Among the areas that received LED lighting included a retrofit of the existing ornate style lanterns within the city walls at Shipquay Street, The Diamond, Bishop Street, Butcher Street, Ferryquay Street, Mourne Bridge Victoria Bride and The Diamond, Castlederg.

“My staff will continue to develop local transport and safety schemes and maintenance programmes to enhance safety, improve traffic progression and provide measures for pedestrians and cyclists.”

Concluding Mr McKinley said: 

“I would also finally like to highlight a very successful year for the two A6 Flagship projects. You will be aware that we recently completed the Randalstown to Castledawson scheme and this has already brought significant benefits for the 22,000 vehicles using this key strategic route each day. 

I’m also pleased to confirm that significant progress continues on the A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dualling and the work is due for completion next year.” 

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. The Executive Information Service operates an out of hour’s service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
2. Follow us on Twitter @deptinfra and on Facebook @DepartmentforInfrastructure.

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