Nearly £8 million of investment for Northern Ireland’s roads has been approved by the province’s political administration.
Confirming the latest spend, which will go on schemes in Ards and North Down, infrastructure minister Chris Hazzard said: “Improving transport connections along our key routes while ensuring the road network which is fit for purpose for all users, is a priority for the Executive.
“Investment of £7.6million in Ards and North Down over the past year, including a number of resurfacing schemes such as the A2 Belfast Road, Bangor, the A20 Deer Park Road and the B170 Balymiscaw Road, are making a real difference for local communities, improving road safety and reducing journey times for local people as well ensuring the road network is maintained for the future.
“I am also pleased to note the work in developing the cycle facilities around Bangor. The new traffic signal controlled roundabout at Gransha Road has provided new controlled PUFFIN and TOUCAN crossings, improving road safety for cyclists and pedestrians, in particular vulnerable road users such as children and the elderly and has proven to be of great benefit to those accessing the local schools."
The confirmation follows an extra £28 million confirmed for TransportNI in June 2016 and comes as as another roads project in Ulster moves to site.
Construction work will now begin on September 19 on the £220,000 Mullaghglass Road improvement scheme in Lisburn.
The job comprises reconstruction and resurfacing of a 1.8-km stretch of Mullaghglass Road between Sheepwalk Road and Barnfield Road. The junction with Pond Park Road East will also be upgraded with work expected to be complete by late October.
“This significant local investment will improve the strength and surface quality of this strategic Lisburn City road,” added Mr Hazzard. “It will also help resolve ongoing maintenance issues.”