Traffic study to view by-pass needs

Traffic study to view by-pass needs

24 August 2016

STORMONT Minister Chris Hazzard has initiated a feasibility study into a proposed new by-pass to help ease traffic congestion in Downpatrick town centre.

An eastern distributor road — which will link the Belfast and Ballyhornan roads — is one of the key planks in the area plan which outlines the future development of the district.

Planners have decreed part of the new road must be built by developers as new housing at the  Ardenlee Gardens and Ardfern area at the Saul Road progresses, but there is local concern this may not happen.

Confirmation that Mr Hazzard has initiated the feasibility study into the proposed by-pass comes a number of weeks after he decided he would make the final decision on controversial plans to build 130 new homes at the Saul Road.

Permission is being sought to construct 87 new homes on land adjacent to Ardenlee Gardens and 42 homes adjacent to nearby Ardfern Road and over 450 objections have been lodged in opposition to both proposals. 

During his visit to meet with senior roads officials at Rathkeltair House in Downpatrick last week to discuss town centre traffic problems, Mr Hazzard said many local residents and businesses have long called for the distributor road to be given serious consideration as a means to alleviating congestion throughout Downpatrick and also as a vital piece of infrastructure to allow the local economy to flourish. 

“I have taken the decision to initiate a feasibility study of the scheme which will assist my department in discussions with key stakeholders on the possibility of providing this road in the future,” said the roads minister.

During his meeting with roads officials, Mr Hazzard discussed several other schemes proposed to improve town centre traffic flow following a recent transportation study into Downpatrick’s congestion problems. 

The roads minister confirmed that next month he is opening consultation on traffic calming proposals in connection with the widening of Fountain Street. 

“This £200,000 scheme represents a significant investment in the roads infrastructure in Downpatrick and will undoubtedly improve road safety and traffic flow in the area,” said Mr Hazzard.

“Design work for an upgraded junction at Collins’ Corner is also progressing well and the planned £350,000 scheme will see this very busy junction operating much more effectively and efficiently. I expect delivery of both these schemes within the next two years.”

Mr Hazzard said the transportation review also identified further improvements for Downpatrick, including one-way schemes, explaining these will require further development and consultation with the local community and will be progressed over the medium to longer term.

The roads minister also confirmed that proposals are being taken forward for the delivery of a park and ride facility on the north side of Downpatrick at the Belfast Road.

He added: “The popularity of park and ride has grown significantly in recent years as more people enjoy the convenience of using public transport. 

“A park and ride facility on the Belfast Road would be a great addition to our local transport network and would also assist in reducing congestion in the town centre. My Department is at the early planning stages of this project which will require acquisition of land, funding and planning approval.”