Members of the Belfast City Council received an update from the
Department for Infrastructure regarding road maintenance and
improvement works for the years 2023/24 and 2024/25.
During a meeting on Wednesday, 27 November 2024, Divisional Roads
Manager Mr Des McFarlane addressed the council, stating:
“Northern Ireland's road network is the largest and most valuable
strategic infrastructure asset and delivers for people every day
to go about their daily lives. It is recognised that there is
more to do to improve and protect the vital road network and the
Department is maximising its resources to deliver positive
impacts. The Department's 2024/25 budget allocation is
challenging however we will continue to prioritise essential
frontline services. Minister O'Dowd has recently allocated almost
£19m from October monitoring for essential and structural road
maintenance and street lighting work. He has also funded a
£1m targeted intervention for gully emptying given the potential
impact of severe weather and the resultant risk of flooding.”
Mr. McFarlane acknowledged the challenges posed by the 2024-25
budget but affirmed the Department's commitment to advancing
local transport, safety schemes and maintenance programs aimed at
improving road safety.
Mr McFarlane continued:
“Currently, a full street lighting repair service will remain in
effect during 2024/25. Over the next year, in the Belfast City
Council area, we plan to take forward controlled crossing
equipment upgrades incorporating extra low voltage equipment and
puffin crossing facilities at Upper Lisburn Road / Entrance to
Musgrave Park Hospital and Glen Road / Bingnian Drive and Signal
junction upgrades incorporating extra low voltage equipment and
puffin crossing facilities at York Street / Frederick Street and
Bradbury Place/ Lisburn Road and Sandy Row/ Lisburn Road.
"Recently, we completed a carriageway and footway resurfacing
scheme on Kings Road in September and resurfacing on Belmont
Church Road and Creightons Road in Belfast. Additional
resurfacing schemes currently being completed in the council
area, include Forthriver Road and Grays Park area in Belvoir.
Other recently completed projects, including a street lighting
upgrade scheme for Upper Malone Road.
"The Department is committed to investing in pedestrian, wheeling
and cycling measures to provide greater Active Travel choices
particularly shorter everyday journeys. In Belfast, design work
is ongoing for the majority of schemes on the Belfast Cycling
Network short term scheme list and pedestrian enhancements are
ongoing at McKinstry Road /Derriaghy Road/ The Cutts.”
In conclusion, Mr McFarlane said:
“These projects will bring significant benefits to both the local
community and commuters in the Belfast City Council area.”
