£225k resurfacing scheme for Carrickfergus road

The scheme, which is approximately one kilometre in length, stretches from the Middle Road/Marshallstown Road to Prince Andrew Way.

It will deliver significant improvements to both the structural integrity and surface of the road.

Work is expected to be completed by the end of August 2018.

During the works, temporary traffic lights will be in operation on weekdays from 9:15am onwards, according to the Department.

Full road closures will then be in place as follows:

- 6am Saturday, August 18 until 6am Monday, August 20;

- 6am Saturday, August 25 until 6am Monday, August 27.

Traffic will be diverted (northbound) via Davys Street - Minorca Place – Ellis Street - Woodburn Road - Prospect Road – Middle Road and (southbound) via Marshallstown Road - Beltoy Road - Larne Road – Green Street – Marine Highway.

Diversionary routes will be signed and local access for residents will be maintained at all times during the works.

The Department has programmed the work operations and traffic management arrangements to minimise inconvenience.

Drivers should expect some delays and are advised to allow additional time when travelling in the area.

To help ensure the safety of road users and road workers, the public is asked to comply with all temporary traffic restrictions and to drive with care when travelling through, or in the vicinity of, the works.

The dates and duration of the works will be dependent on the progress of the scheme and on favourable weather conditions.

Commenting on the announcement was East Antrim MLA, John Stewart. "Obviously it is good news that the planned resurfacing work on the top section of the North Road is due to start before the start of the new school term. Hopefully disruption to residents and access to the shops on Oakland Park can be kept to an absolute minimum," he said.

"I have said to DfI managers that the entire North Road from top to bottom needs resurfaced and they have conceded that this is true and needs to happen in the short to medium term.

"As far the bigger picture is concerned, I continue to be contend that Carrickfergus and Larne have been badly neglected in the DfI resurfacing plans this year given that the maintenance budget was given a boost in April.

"The North Road scheme is the only Carrickfergus scheme in a £2.5m programme of resurfacing in the Mid and East Antrim district, with nine locations in Ballymena due to be resurfaced this year.

"This is not good enough given the neglect our roads have suffered in recent years."