Council receives an update on infrastructure projects for Derry City and Strabane District Council 2022

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 2021/22 and those planned for 2022/23.

Speaking as he addressed council members this afternoon, Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Daniel Healy said,

“In the absence of an Executive, the Department of Finance (DoF) has provided the Department with contingency planning budgets, for both Resource and Capital funding. He highlighted that with the uncertainty around budgets it is important to monitor all activities within the constrained funding available going forward and difficult decisions may need to be made to re-align activities within funding levels as the year progresses. Despite these budget uncertainties, the Department 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.”

Continuing Mr Healy said that:

“Minister O’Dowd is keen to progress the development of a number of Strategic Road Improvement Schemes. The A5 Western Transport Corridor continues its progress through the statutory processes with the Planning Appeals Commission due to reconvene later this year or early next to address the Environmental Statement Addendum.  The A2 Buncrana Road is currently being reviewed to ensure it aligns with the Department’s priorities for future transport contained in the Regional Strategic Transportation Network Transport Plan before continuing to develop the scheme design towards publication of the draft statutory orders. Construction of A6 Dungiven to Drumahoe dualling scheme is progressing well with the earthworks, all twenty-two structures and pavement construction along the main carriageway now substantially complete. Significant progress has also been made with the installation of culverts, drainage, access tracks and utility diversions.  The Department is working closely with the contractor to agree an opening date.

“The Department completed a significant programme of resurfacing works across the Council area in 2021/22 including the £1.3m resurfacing of Skeoge Link. The Department successfully awarded new asphalt contracts for the Strabane area on 28 June 2022 and for the Derry area 13 September which will enable further resurfacing schemes in 2022/23.

“The Department has continued its commitment to the delivery of active travel schemes across the north and to making walking, wheeling and cycling a safer and more attractive option for people getting around. The upgrading of a shared footway/cycleway Glenshane Road from Drumahoe Road toward Drumahoe District park in 2021/22 and the Department is currently preparing plans to deliver upgrades along Carrakeel Drive, Maydown in 2022/23.

“I am pleased to confirm that the second tranche of the new part-time 20mph speed limit at schools are programmed to be operational at nine schools by end September 2022 which follows on from the nine schools that benefited from the initiative in 2021."

Continuing Mr Healy said:

“The Department recognises the importance of street lighting and delivered a full repair service in 2021/22 and is currently continuing in 2022/23 as part of the contingency planning budget. Total capital expenditure on street lighting during the 2021/22 year amounted to approximately £1.7m and included both full system replacement and energy efficient LED lantern schemes. Among the areas that received LED lighting was Craigavon Bridge underdeck and a number of zebra crossing across the city that not only improves the quality of lighting but is also more energy efficient, given the Department’s commitment to climate action.  Further proposed replacement schemes are planned in 2022/23."

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 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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