Traffic scheme for Downpatrick area

Traffic scheme for Downpatrick area

23 May 2012 - by David Telford

WORK on a major new traffic calming scheme in Downpatrick could start within the next few weeks.

The Roads Service has confirmed it hopes the work can be completed before the new school term begins this September.

It is planning to provide six speed ramps, a speed cushion and several new signs along a half-mile stretch of road which includes Bridge Street and Mount Crescent.

While local politicians are in favour of the scheme in an area where there are three schools, a social security office and a soon-to-be opened sheltered housing scheme, some have suggested six ramps is too many.

Last month, councillors asked roads officials to conduct and in-depth survey before proceeding with the traffic calming scheme.

They suggested school officials, business owners and residents should be consulted for their views before the scheme gets underway.

A Roads Service spokeswoman said formal consultation on the Bridge Street/Mount Crescent scheme is currently underway and that following the publication of details of the traffic calming scheme last Wednesday, people have 30 days to object.

“All valid objections received during this period will be carefully considered prior to the scheme being implemented. It remains the Department’s intention to commence works hopefully during the summer months before the schools return in September,” she said.

The spokeswoman also confirmed that following initial consultation with residents and local schools, no objections were received.

She continued: “The positioning and number of roads humps is the most important design consideration and can be best achieved by providing measures where the distances between features are approximately equal. “Other factors such as private accesses, side roads and on-street parking are taken into consideration when deciding the individual locations for ramps.”

Councillor Billy Walker says it is essential the measures are provided as proposed by the Roads Service.

“This part of Downpatrick carries a huge volume of traffic and given the fact there are families with young children and three schools in the vicinity, steps must be taken to slow the speed of vehicles,” he added. “Safety is of paramount importance.”