Temple to get roundabout

Temple to get roundabout

24 February 2016

WORK on a £1.25m scheme to construct a major new roundabout at the Temple crossroads is to begin in the spring.

The scheme at the Carryduff Road which carries a huge volume of traffic will also involve a new park and ride facility and new footpath on the approach from Lisburn.

There have been a series of accidents at the crossroads over recent years with mounting calls for a roundabout to be constructed to make the area safer. Details of the new roundabout were confirmed in the Assembly on Monday by Stormont Regional Development Minister Michelle McIlveen. She said she uses the Temple road often and is aware there have been a number of collisions.

The roads minister said all tenders for the new roundabout will be assessed after the closing date with the most economically advantageous identified.

Confirmation of the spring start date for the new roundabout has been welcomed by Trevor Lunn MLA and Rowallane councillor Robert Burgess.

Mr Lunn said the new roundabout will be “very good news” for all users of the Temple crossroads, while Councillor Burgess said a significant number of people who live in Down District use this busy junction.

“I hope the money that’s needed to provide a new roundabout can be found so work can get underway,” he continued.

Councillor Burgess believes a roundabout will reduce the speed of vehicles in the area, helping to make it significantly safer.

He added: “The Temple crossroads is a nightmare for many drivers. Over the years this junction has had to cope with a major increase in the number of vehicles using it and something needs to be done to improve its safety.”