Dangerous roads review welcomed by councillor

Dangerous roads review welcomed by councillor

11 May 2022

ROADS officials are to review a number of accident black spots across the district as part of a new drive to make the areas safer.

The news has been confirmed by Downpatrick area councillor Gareth Sharvin, who has welcomed the Department for Infrastructure initiative.

The so-called collision remedial review will focus on a number of areas, including the Ballyhornan Road outside Downpatrick on the approach to the Ballycruttle Road junction.

Cllr Sharvin is keen to see high friction surfacing provided at this location to improve road safety and has suggested that there are a number of other locations that would benefit from similar work.

He said the provision of high friction material will help improve road surfaces and is keen for this to happen at the Mearne Road in Downpatrick and at the so-called S bends near Killough, with new signs warning drivers they are approaching a new play park at Kilclief GAC.

“Such signs would make drivers aware of the play park and that their are children in the area,” continued Cllr Sharvin.

The Department of Infrastructure confirmed that the review for the Down area is underway and that it will identify what have been described as “collision cluster sites” over the past three years. 

Cllr Sharvin explained that as part of the review, the roads department will be able to examine the identified sites to determine the causes and factors associated with collisions and determine what engineering measures, if any, can be implemented.

He said roads officials will also be reviewing existing road markings and signage which are currently in place to determine if any improvements can be introduced.

“This is fantastic work that is much-needed across the Down area,” said Cllr Sharvin,.

“The engineers’ report will support addressing a number of issues reported to me by local residents and enable me to hold the roads department to account and implement improvements.”

Cllr Sharvin said it was his understanding that the report will be completed this month.