Road safety scheme to be put on back burner

Road safety scheme to be put on back burner

20 July 2016

TRAFFIC problems at one of Downpatrick’s most congested streets, which is home to a busy primary school, are set to continue for several more years.

Transport NI has confirmed it has no immediate plans to tackle problems in Edward Street despite widespread public concern about articulated lorries mounting footpaths as children make their way to and from Our Lady and St. Patrick’s Primary. Tailbacks in the area are also common place.

Roads officials have revealed plans for a one-way system at this part of the town have not been well received by residents and that while a recently completed transport review for Downpatrick town centre identified a number of schemes for delivery over the next number of years, there is no instant plan to address the situation in Edward Street.

Transport NI is planning to upgrade the Collins’ Corner junction this year followed by a road widening scheme in Fountain Street “over the following years,” subject to the completion of statutory processes and finance being available. 

Officials insist this work will prepare the road network to facilitate the potential for one way schemes in Edward Street and John Street and Market Street, Irish Street and St. Patricks Avenue.

In a letter to South Down MLA Colin McGrath, a senior Transport NI official said the introduction of one way system in Edward Street was not well received at the public consultation into Downpatrick’s transport review.

Heather Bradley said residents in John Street were not content with the one-way plan for nearby Edward Street and that this proposal — which has been suggested for a number of years — will need “further examination, careful, considerable and extensive consultation before being progressed to implementation.” She also confirmed the scheme is “not included in our programme for work for the next few years.”

The roads official added: “I am sorry I am unable to provide more clarity on the delivery timescales but I am sure you can appreciate that we need to ensure residents are in favour of the proposals before we can proceed with any measures.”

Mr McGrath said he is “deeply unhappy” that the congestion and road safety issues at Edward Street are not going to be addressed any time soon and expressed concern about the “passive approach” being adopted by Transport NI and the Department for Infrastructure on the issue.

He continued: “We need solutions to the problems that residents and school children face at this location. For too long, people have had to face lengthy queues, bouts of road rage and road danger directed towards primary school children.

“We have been calling for a solution to the issues for many years and have offered potential resolutions and facilitated meetings and consultation responses. The politicians and community have done all they can, it is now over to officials now to fix this matter.”

Mr McGrath said he very concerned at the Transport NI suggestion that it could be several years before there is a solution to the issues in Edward Street.

“Officials must work harder to find a resolution,” he declared. “I intend to raise this matter on the floor of the Assembly at every opportunity to ensure the pressure is applied from the Infrastructure Minister down to fix this problem.”

The MLA added: “For too long, the road network in Downpatrick and indeed the wider area has been neglected and that has to change. We must get solutions to our problems.” 

Mr McGrath confirmed he is to meet with Transport NI officials this week when he plans to highlight the importance of solving the problems in Edward Street now, not in several years’ time to address major road safety concerns.