Hopes rise on congestion

Hopes rise on congestion

25 February 2015

A NUMBER of key issues aimed at addressing traffic congestion in Downpatrick town centre were discussed during a special briefing between senior roads officials and local politicians last week.

The briefing, at the Roads Service’s Rathkeltair House headquarters, comes ahead of the formal launch of a new traffic management plan for the town centre in the summer.

Politicians have hailed what they have described as a “new spirit of co-operation” with local roads officials to finally crack the congestion problem which they say has stifled the town’s economy.

Among potential solutions discussed last week were plans to upgrade road junctions across the town centre, implementing a new one-way system linking Irish Street with St. Patrick’s Avenue, creating a new road linking the Ballydugan Road with Stream Street across Dunleath Park and possibly closing Pound Lane to ease pressure on the Collins’ Corner junction. 

Significantly, roads officials are also keen to address traffic congestion at John Street and Edward Street where a new one-way system could also be introduced.

Roads officials say they recognise the congestion caused by vehicles wishing to turn right from Market Street into St. Patrick’s Square and could address this by banning such a manoeuvre. A bus stop close to the Bank of Ireland in Market Street could also be abandoned as its location can lead to tailbacks.

Roads Service officials indicated their immediate priority is addressing congestion problems in Market Street and St. Patrick’s Avenue and are keen to publish the new traffic management plan.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie, South Down MLA Chris Hazzard and councillors Dermot Curran, Cadogan Enright and Colin McGrath have welcomed the progress being made on the plan and the commitment being shown by roads officials to deliver schemes that will be effective.

Miss Ritchie said roads officials plan to consult on their plans and highlighted the need to solve the congestion problem, particularly at peak times. She also encouraged the Downpatrick business community to study the various suggestions and make their views known and said an improved traffic system is vital to grow the local economy and our tourism industry.  

Mr. Hazzard welcomed the commitment to examine the congestion problems in John Street and Edward Street and said it’s “hugely positive” to learn that the new one-way system through the site of the existing Irish Street police station is being explored. He said if planning and costing can be agreed as soon as possible, this scheme will be a boost for traders in Irish Street and Market Street and will allow shoppers easier access to shops.

Councillor Dermot Curran said the new spirit of co-operation with roads officials is welcome and has the potential to solve the congestion issue, but he expressed disappointment Downpatrick Chamber of Commerce had no one available to attend last week’s briefing.

While welcoming progress which is being made, Councillor McGrath warned “much work still needs to be done” to address the congestion issue. He said town centre congestion has gone on too long and needs to be addressed, especially as Downpatrick is identified by government as a hub-town, with its population set to increase.

Councillor Enright, who has been pushing for a one-way system in Edward Street and new relief road across Dunleath Park, has welcomed confirmation these suggestions are being examined by roads officials. He said it’s clear the Roads Service’s new management team in the Down area is now “moving to fix the congestion issue in Edward Street.”