A RADICAL plan to address road safety and congestion issues at one of the district’s most busiest roundabouts will be unveiled next week.
In response to mounting concern, the Department of Infrastructure will confirm during a meeting with local politicians that it is planning to create a new dedicated filter lane at the Dundrum Road roundabout in Newcastle.
The new filter lane will enable drivers entering the resort from the Dundrum direction to access the Castlewellan Road without causing major tailbacks, leaving two existing lanes for the exclusive use of traffic heading into the centre of the resort.
Roads officials have not yet fully costed the scheme, but have confirmed they will have to shave off a section of land at the side of the roundabout to provide the new link road which they are confident can significantly reduce congestion.
Officials will also confirm during a special briefing at Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s Downshire Civic Centre headquarters in Downpatrick that work can only start when the required finance is in place and the land they require for the minor works scheme has been secured.
Road safety and traffic congestion at the Dundrum Road roundabout issue is a major issue for the people of Newcastle and is consistently a hot topic of conversation on social media.
There have been a number of near misses at pedestrian crossings on either side of the roundabout with people fearful that it could only be a matter of time before someone is seriously injured at this part of the town.
Roads officials met recently with local councillors to discuss safety at the roundabout which handles thousands of vehicles daily at the height of the summer.
One of the major issues discussed was the danger people encounter at this location, even while using dedicated pedestrian crossings.
Politicians insisted the safety of pedestrians is of paramount importance.
Local councillor Willie Clarke has welcomed news of the radical plan and hopes every effort will be made to implement the scheme as quickly as possible.
He is also encouraging Newry, Mourne and Down Council to work in partnership with the Department for Infrastructure and make the necessary land available at the roundabout to implement the new scheme.
“The proposal is similar to an idea I raised with roads officials some time ago,” he explained. “The provision of a new lane to facilitate cars wishing to make their way from the Dundrum Road to the Castlewellan Road would not only make this particularly busy area safer, but help reduce traffic congestion.
“The safety of all road users at this location is critically important. There is also an issue about the speed of traffic approaching the roundabout from the Shimna Road which I hope this proposal will also address.”
Cllr Clarke said while the progression of the scheme will ultimately depend on securing finance and land, he believes these hurdles are not insurmountable.
“It is my understanding that Newry, Mourne and Down Council owns the roundabout so securing the land should be straight forward.
“As for the finance, roads officials are acutely aware of the issues at this part of Newcastle and I hope they can make a robust case, with the support of the local authority, for the cash they require,” he continued.