City link roads decisions due soon
Thursday, 19 January 2012
A TIMESCALE for the delivery of two multi-million pound road schemes in Armagh could be determined in the "near future", according to the Minister for Regional Development.
Newry and Armagh MLA Danny Kennedy told the Ulster Gazette that Roads Service "continues to develop the two Armagh road improvement schemes with a view to confirming preferred routes in the near future."
He added: "The Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland, which provides a framework for infrastructure development, over the 10-year period 2011 to 2021, is currently out for public consultation.
“This will determine a likely timescale under which Strategic Road improvement schemes, such as the A3 Armagh North and West Link - and the A28 Armagh East Link - can be delivered."
Back in October Mr Kennedy told the Gazette that there was a need to prioritise the North and West Link Road - at a cost of between £55m and £75m - and the East Link at an estimated £12m to £25m.
This followed our story on the possible arrival of an ASDA store at the former Drumadd Barracks and the added traffic there would be as a result.
Since then it has been confirmed that a major Tesco store will be developed in the city, meaning there is likely to be a surge in traffic in and around the town.
Speaking previously to the Gazette, Ulster Unionist Councillor Sylvia McRoberts, a long and ardent supporter of prioritising the East Link, said: "Our aim is to minimise the traffic flow so that people will feel they can move around easily without the hassle that there is at present.
“The current traffic problems are a barrier to encouraging shoppers to come here and that needs to be removed.
“So you see, it's even more important now that work on the East Link gets going."
Meanwhile, there have been moves to introduce a one-way traffic system around the Mall.
Speaking on this development, Mr Kennedy said: "Roads Service, working in conjunction with Armagh City and District Council, have been assessing the benefits of a one way gyratory system around the Mall in Armagh.
“I am advised that investigations and consultation with many of those who would potentially be affected to date have proven positive and further work is now underway.
“Completion of this work will allow for a more meaningful and informed consultation exercise to take place in the future.
“It is anticipated that implementation of such a scheme, which is likely to be primarily developer led, will result in improvements to traffic conditions in the city and contribute to the delivery of elements of the Armagh City Masterplan."
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