Calls for lights at busy Monbrief Rd junction

Sinn Féin MLA John O’Dowd has supported Councillor Fergal Lennon’s calls for traffic lights to be introduced at the junction of Sugar Island Road and Monbrief East Rd close to Bleary and Central Craigavon.

Mr O’ Dowd said: “This is a very busy junction with traffic travelling from, Bleary, Gilford and Banbridge to Craigavon and vice versa, converging with traffic circulating around Craigavon on the busy Monbrief Road. It is not unusual for tailbacks to build up during rush hour. There have been several accidents at the junction and it is time to act before someone is killed.”

Cllr Lennon added: “Sinn Féin has contacted Roads Service and asked for traffic lights. The roads in this area are extremely busy with both commuter and local traffic. We will continue to press for action to be taken to ensure the safety of road users and home owners; as in some cases cars have crashed through garden fences.”

TransportNI spokesperson said: “TransportNI has already assessed the junction at Island Road and Monbrief East Road close to Bleary and Central Craigavon and determined that there is no requirement for modifications. There is no record of any injury collisions at the junction in the last five years and the traffic volumes are not at the levels where traffic signals would be considered. The location already benefits from a right turning pocket and is within a 40mph speed limit area.”