D-Day for roads scheme to tackle town congestion

D-Day for roads scheme to tackle town congestion

19 August 2015

PROPOSALS aimed at addressing town centre traffic congestion in Downpatrick will be unveiled this Friday.

Department of Regional Development (DRD) engineers who have completed a detailed traffic study will discuss potential solutions to the congestion problem with local politicians and representatives form the town’s business community.

The government department remains committed to developing a new road linking Irish Street with St. Patrick’s Avenue — through the site of the existing PSNI station — as part of a new one-way system.

Politicians and Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce are keen to examine the detail of the new traffic management plan and hope the proposals will finally crack the congestion problem which they say is stifling the town’s economy.

Other potential congestion solutions include upgrading road junctions across the town centre, with some politicians keen to see a new road developed linking the Ballydugan Road with Stream Street 

across Dunleath Park and for the congestion issue at John Street and Edward Street to be addressed.

Councillor Dermot Curran said that following previous meetings with roads officials to discuss the congestion issue, it was clear their key priority was addressing congestion problems in Market Street and St. Patrick’s Avenue.

“The detail of the traffic management plan is something many people are very keen to examine,” he continued.

“Roads officials are clearly committed to solving an issue which is impacting on the town’s economy and their enthusiasm is welcome. It is also very important their proposals are being discussed by the local business community.”

Councillor Curran said wider consultation on the detail in the new traffic plan was also essential and for people to provide feedback to allow roads engineers to “get on with the job of making inroads into Downpatrick’s congestion problem.”

He believes easing town centre tailbacks can act as a catalyst to encourage new investment and confirmed he is keen to see plans to address the congestion issue in John Street and Edward Street.

Councillor Curran hopes the new traffic plan represents a “light at the end of the congestion tunnel and will help unlock Downpatrick’s economic potential.”

He added: “Agreement on the way forward will allow much-needed work to start on an issue which frustrates residents, retailers and tourists. Everyone is keen so see progress to help unlock the town’s future potential.”