£200,000 cycle scheme for Carrickfergus

The scheme, located along the north side of Prince Andrew Way between North Road and Craigs Road, is expected to be complete by mid-March.

The improvements will make it easier and safer for people to walk and cycle in the Carrickfergus area.

The wider ranging programme aims to help increase the number of pupils’ travelling to school by cycling and walking.

It also aims to increase pupils’ general cycling skills, road awareness and knowledge of the health benefits associated with cycling and walking.

Welcoming the news was East Antrim UUP MLA Roy Beggs, who said: “I previously met Transport NI officials during the summer along with my party colleague Councillor Andrew Wilson, to discuss the potential for cycleway schemes along Prince Andrew Way and for further developments along the A2 Shore Road. “The aim of the meeting was to secure better cycling networks between our secondary schools and to better link the A2 with our town centre. This positive announcement for Prince Andrew Way, which serves as a key spine route for access to secondary schools in the area, will facilitate a safer cycling route to school for pupils.”

To facilitate the improvements, it will be necessary to operate traffic management on Prince Andrew Way during the working day.

As with all scheme of this type, severe weather may impact on the scheduled arrangements.

For information about this and other improvement schemes across Northern Ireland, visit http://trafficwatchni.com/home