Belfast City Council gets update on infrastructure projects for 2018/19

Belfast City Council members have been updated on programmed infrastructure works for the area by the Department for Infrastructure (DfI).

Speaking as he addressed Council members this evening, DFI Divisional Roads Manager Kevin Monaghan said: “Over the next six months, the Belfast City Council area will see the completion of a number of resurfacing schemes including Great Georges Street, Donegall Road/ Falls Road to the roundabout and Ardvarna Park, Ardvarna Crescent and Helgor Park.  It is also proposed to resurface a section of carriageway on Belmont Road between Tweskard Lodge and Knockdarragh Park.

“These projects will realise significant benefits for both the local community and commuters.” 

Speaking on the impact of the harsh winter weather and budget allocation, Mr Monaghan said: “It is clear that the recent severe winter has had a significant detrimental impact on the road network and the Department will continue to identify those roads most in need of repair and prioritise this work alongside other ongoing priorities. 

“The 2018/2019 roads structural maintenance capital budget is £75 million. Of that, £15 million has been set aside for a roads recovery fund which is being used to address areas of immediate need across the road network. Almost 40,000 surface defects have been repaired in the last few months.”

He added: “The ongoing maintenance programme will also include an enhanced grass cutting service to ensure all roadside verges and sightline grass will be cut at least twice in the period April to October; and a full weed spraying service.  This work has now commenced across the region.” 

Concluding, Mr Monaghan said:  “It is also worth noting other projects in the area recently completed, including a new pedestrian island on the Blacks Road at St Gerard’s school and a new Puffin crossing on the Whiterock Road at Glenalina Road.  A range of other local traffic and safety measures have also already been delivered.”

Ciarán De Búrca, Director of Transport Projects and Business Services, provided a general update on the overall Belfast Rapid Transit project. The major road infrastructure works are substantially completed at this stage with only minor works on traffic signals, public lighting, signing and lining to be completed.  He thanked the residents and the businesses along the route for their patience during the construction works.  He stated that the 12 hour bus lanes will be introduced in West Belfast on 23 July, in East Belfast on 30 July and in Belfast Harbour Estate on 6 August. The BRT Glider system will go fully operational on 3 September.

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
2. The Department may take photographs and videos at announcements and events to publicise its work. Photographs, interviews, videos or other recordings may be issued to media organisations for publicity purposes or used in promotional material, including in publications, newspapers, magazines, other print media, on television, radio and electronic media (including social media and the internet). Photographs and videos will also be stored on the Department’s internal records management system. The Department will keep the photographs and recordings for no longer than is necessary for the purposes for which they have been obtained. The Department’s Privacy Policy is available on our website   
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