Traffic jam plan set to be unveiled

Traffic jam plan set to be unveiled

5 August 2015

PROPOSALS aimed at addressing town centre traffic congestion in Downpatrick will be unveiled in two weeks’ time.

The Department of Regional Development (DRD) has confirmed road engineers have completed a detailed traffic study and will discuss potential solutions to the congestion problem on August 21.

Senior roads officials are planning a series of meetings with local politicians and representatives from the Downpatrick business community to discuss a way forward, but have not yet confirmed the outcome of the traffic study.

While the DRD will only confirm “details of the traffic review will be released in due course,” 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 members 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.

Some politicians are 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 there is “significant interest” in the solutions roads officials will unveil in two weeks’ time and hopes the traffic management plan will also address the congestion caused by cars wishing to turn right from Market Street into St Patrick’s Square. 

He argues the location of a bus stop close to the Bank of Ireland in Market Street also contributes to tailbacks at this part of the town and that removing it would be an “inexpensive measure to help ease traffic flow at this part of the town.”

Councillor Curran said following a meeting with roads officials last year to discuss the congestion issue, it is clear their key priority is 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 is 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 added: “I hope the new traffic plan represents a light at the end of the congestion tunnel and will help unlock Downpatrick’s economic potential. The new spirit of co-operation between roads officials, politicians and the business community is very welcome and one which I hope will be successful and we will finally ease the town’s congestion problems.

A DRD spokesman confirmed roads officials have now completed the review into the traffic studies for Downpatrick, with officials in the process of arranging a full consultation process with key stakeholders to discuss the findings.