TUV MLA Jim Allister arranged for DRD minister, Michelle McIlveen, to attend at Woodgreen junction today on the A26 for a meeting to discuss its history of fatal crashes and the need for safety improvements.
Accompanied by Deputy Mayor Timothy Gaston, the politicians pressed on the minister the urgency needed in radically improving the junction. Mr Allister pointed out the major infrastructural changes brought to dangerous junctions on the A1 to Newry and said the users of the A26 deserve no less.
“Cosmetic changes to lighting and minor adjustments will only bring marginal improvement, whereas more radical change, such as a flyover, is required to address the dangers of this death trap junction. With average speeds of 70mph – suggesting many are driving much faster – it is clear it is time to embrace meaningful improvements”, said Mr Allister.
Timothy Gaston also used the opportunity of the meeting to press for further action and commitment of funding to the next stages of the programme to tackle the Toome Road flooding problem. He also sought assurance that this year there would be sufficient funding to adequately address grass cutting and road maintenance.
“Though the minister will shortly leave office, she was left in no doubt as to what we expected from her department”, added the TUV representatives.