Agenda item

Mr. Monaghan submitted for the Committee’s consideration the Department for Infrastructure Roads Service’s Autumn Report, which outlined the work undertaken by the Roads Service’s Eastern Division within the Council area during 2018/2019.

In relation to major works, he reported that the York Street Interchange scheme remained a high priority, given that it would address a major bottleneck on the strategic road network. New bus lanes were being constructed currently on the M1 and M2 motorways, which would provide an additional 4.6 kilometres and 2.2 kilometres, respectively. He then provided an update on the two minor works schemes, at Barnett’s Road, which was progressing, and at the Blacks Road/M1 Junction 3, which was programmed, and on the maintenance of various structures across the City. The Committee’s attention was then drawn to the Division’s work around collision remedial schemes, traffic schemes, pedestrian measures, traffic signs, carriageway markings/resurfacing and street lighting. He then highlighted the wide programme of cycle improvement measures which had been implemented, such as the widening of the Comber Greenway, and the various schemes which were being planned. He added that the sole traffic calming scheme which had been programmed for the period, at Tennent Street, had been withdrawn, due to objections from the Police Service of Northern Ireland.

A Member then drew to Mr. Monaghan’s attention to the need to undertake resurfacing in Sydney Street West and Abbeydale Crescent, Drive and Parade, and in the Lower Shankill area, including Shankill Parade, and suggested that traffic management measures should be introduced at the Lanark Way/Springfield Road junction. Other Members highlighted the need for traffic calming measures in Glasvey Drive, for gullies to be emptied on a Sunday due to the presence of parked vehicles at other times and difficulties with the Albertbridge Road/Templemore Avenue junction leaving the City.   

Mr. Monaghan confirmed that issues with the material to be used to resurface Sydney Street West and Abbeydale Crescent/Drive had now been resolved and that consideration would be given to including Abbeydale Parade in that scheme. He undertook to examine the Lanark Way/Springfield Road junction and to advise the Member of the outcome. He pointed out that only up to four traffic calming schemes were delivered each year and that, since Glasvey Drive was located at number forty-three on the current list of around 500 streets, it was unlikely to be actioned for the foreseeable future. In relation to gulley cleaning, Mr. Monaghan stated that additional funding had become available for routine work, some of which could potentially be utilised for gully emptying, and he invited the Member to identify gullies in his area. It was pointed out that, despite the Roads Service on occasions issuing flyers informing residents of their intention to cleanse gullies on a Sunday in streets where accessibility was an issue, teams had still encountered issues with parked vehicles. Finally, he confirmed that the Albertbridge Road/Templemore Avenue junction had been configured in such a way as to allow Glider buses priority access.

Mr. De Burca informed the Committee that the Belfast Rapid Transport Glider service had been launched on 3rd September and that, since then, there had been an increase of 33,000 passenger journeys per week on the Glider routes. Reliability and punctuality had since risen to 99% and 94%, respectively which, he pointed out, was due to a high level of enforcement activity around clearways and bus lanes. The Glider fleet was demonstrating a 10% to 40% improvement in fuel efficiency, when compared to other Metro buses, and air quality emissions had also improved by 90% on Glider routes. 

He reported that all thirty of the Glider vehicles had now been delivered and that an additional two vehicles would be acquired early in 2019. All 102 halts, complete with ticket machines, validators and real time passenger information screens, were now operational and the road infrastructure was now complete. He outlined the issues which had delayed the opening of the Colin Transport Hub and confirmed that it was anticipated that it would be operational by the end of January. Mr. De Burca concluded by referring to the proposed extension of the rapid transit scheme to the north and south of the City and confirmed that the routes which were being recommended would be subject to a full business case and transport modelling.

The representatives were thanked by the Chairperson and, with the exception of Mr. Monaghan, who remained for the subsequent item on the Belfast Bicycle Network Plan, they left the meeting.

The Committee noted the information contained within the Department for Infrastructure Roads Service’s Autumn Report, a copy of which is available here.