Town to get major resurfacing scheme

Town to get major resurfacing scheme

12 August 2015

HIGH Street in Ballynahinch is to be resurfaced.

Stormont Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has confirmed work on the £85,000 project will get underway on Monday, August 17.

A 240 metre section of the road from the Dromore Street roundabout to the Main Street/Lisburn Street junction will be resurfaced. Mr Kennedy said the scheme represents a “significant investment” in the roads infrastructure in the Ballynahinch area and will compliment the recently completed public realm works in the town.

“Once work is complete, road users will quickly realise the long term benefits from the new road surface along High Street,” he added.

To facilitate resurfacing work and minimise disruption, the Department of Regional Development has confirmed High Street will be closed from 8pm to 6am between August 17 and 27.

The work is scheduled to be carried out in three stages, from Windmill Street to Church Street, Windmill Street to Main Street and Lisburn Street to Main Street.

During resurfacing, traffic will be diverted via the Lisburn, Riverside and Dromore roads, Dromore Street, the Grove, Spa and Church roads and Church Street.

Confirmation of the resurfacing scheme has been welcomed by Strangford MP Jim Shannon and Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and Terry Andrews.

Mr Shannon said he is delighted work will get underway next week and has no doubt the project will complement the high quality work already carried out during the public realm scheme in the town centre.

He admitted while there may be some disruption during the 10 days it will take to complete the project, “anyone who knows this stretch of road knows how urgently needed this work is.”

Mr Shannon paid tribute to local roads official Hugh Morgan and those who are making sure the scheme is delivered and appealed to business owners to be patient.

The MP added: “The good thing to note is that the work is to take place through the night to minimise disruption and this is to be welcomed. Well done to all involved.”

Councillors Walker and Andrews echoed the MPs comments and have no doubt the resurfacing scheme, in tandem with environmental improvements already carried out, will make a major difference to Ballynahinch town centre.

Slieve Croob councillor Mark Murnin has welcomed the Regional Development Minister’s commitment to invest £85,000 on the High Street resurfacing scheme. He explained the issue was initially raised with Mr Kennedy two years ago when he met with members of the local group overseeing the market town’s public realm scheme.

“During the meeting with the DRD Minister about the environmental improvements proposed for the town the group highlighted the need to complement the scheme by resurfacing High Street.”

“I am delighted this is now going to happen, with Mr Kennedy confirming concerns I expressed about water ponding outside Cafe Rossi, caused by a blocked drain, will be addressed as part of the resurfacing investment. The resurfacing scheme will enhance High Street and add to the major town centre improvements which have already been carried out,” he added.