Western Division Interim Report To Derry City and Strabane District Council. 24 th February Berryhill Road, Donemana.

Transcription

1 Western Division Interim Report To Derry City and Strabane District Council 24 th February 2016 Berryhill Road, Donemana.

2 CONTENTS PAGE Foreword by Divisional Manager 1 Western Division 3 Senior Management Structure Strategic Road Improvements A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) SRI schemes (excluding A5WTC) A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) A6 Randalstown to Castledawson A6 Londonderry to Dungiven A2 Buncrana Road Network Maintenance Structural Maintenance update on Planned Works Network Development 14 Update on Planned Works Traffic Management Schemes Pedestrian Measures Traffic Calming Safer Routes to School Local Transport and Safety Measures (LT&SM) Structures Update Planned Works Street Lighting

3 Foreword It is my pleasure to submit to you this Interim Report for 2015/2016 on TransportNI work in the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area. The recent announcement by the DRD Minister, Michelle McIlveen, of the publication of draft Orders and the Environmental Statement for the A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) is welcome news in particular coming on the back of the decision to progress the Randalstown to Castledawson section of the A6 dualling project to the construction stage. Both these projects are key to the development of the North West and their recent progression is a welcome boost to the region. In relation to the A5 WTC project, the Minister s announcement kick starts a public consultation process which runs until the 4 April 2016 and is likely to result in the holding of a Public Inquiry later this year. The Fresh Start Agreement and subsequent budget allow for the construction of Phase 1a of the project which runs from New Buildings to north of Strabane although progression to this stage will depend on successful completion of the statutory procedures. In relation to the A6 project, as well as allocating funding to the Randalstown to Castledawson section of the A6, some funding has also been allocated to the Londonderry to Dungiven section and options are currently being developed for consideration by the Minister. As indicated at the July meeting the picture with regard to resource funding was not positive with pressures affecting our ability to maintain the road network. Some additional in year funding has been received and this is being directed in the main, towards the backlog in gully emptying and defect repair. The additional funding is also allowing the backlog in street lighting repairs to be addressed. Page 1

4 I look forward to meeting the Council s Environment and Regeneration Committee to present this update and to hear member s views on it. Network Maintenance Section Engineer, Robert McCartney, and Network Development Section Engineer, Deaglan MacBride, will also be in attendance at the meeting. Conor Loughrey Divisional Manager Page 2

5 Western Division Western Division is one of four Client Divisions within TransportNI. It spans the local Council areas of Derry City and Strabane, Mid-Ulster and Fermanagh and Omagh In Western Division we are responsible for approximately 9712km of public road together with 2816 bridges, and 64,147 street lights, 124 controlled crossings (Pelican/Puffin/Toucan & Zebra type), 117 traffic signalised junctions. We carry out functions under the headings:- Strategic Road Improvements Road Improvement Schemes greater than 1.5Million on the strategic road network Network Maintenance Maintenance of Roads and Structures Network Development - Street Lighting and Road Improvement Schemes up to 1.5Million Network Planning - Development Control, Private Streets and Area Plans Divisional Headquarters County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh Co Tyrone BT79 7AF Telephone: (0300) After hours: (028) Fax: (028) TransportNI.Western@drdni.gov.uk Emergency Tel No: (028) Website: Page 3

6 Western Division - Senior Management Team Conor Loughrey Divisional Manager The Senior Management Team and their areas of responsibility are listed below. Day to day matters should be raised in the first instance with the relevant Senior Engineers whose details are listed at the start of each section. Harold Henry Network Maintenance Manager (Acting) Road maintenance operations, structural maintenance planning and programming, inspections, road maintenance standards, utility street works, winter service Seamus Keenan Strategic Road Improvement Manager A5 Western Transport Corridor Manager Network Development Manager (Acting) Traffic Management, Street Lighting, Local Transport and Safety Measures schemes David McKinley Strategic Road Improvement Manager Major works schemes (excluding A5WTC); Highway Structures Darren Campbell Network Planning Manager Development Control, Private Streets, Area Plans Page 4

7 1.0 STRATEGIC ROAD IMPROVEMENTS 1.1 A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) Strategic Roads Improvement Manager - A5WTC: Seamus Keenan He is supported by: Manny Gault SRI TransportNI County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF Tel: Manny.Gault@drdni.gov.uk 1.2 STRATEGIC ROAD IMPROVEMENTS (excluding A5WTC) Strategic Roads Improvement Manager: David McKinley He is supported by: Maura Hackett SRI TransportNI County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF Tel: Maura.Hackett@drdni.gov.uk Page 5

8 1.1.1 A5 Western Transport Corridor (A5WTC) Page 6

9 In 2013 The A5WTC was the subject of a successful legal challenge, resulting in the quashing of the Statutory Orders necessary for the scheme to proceed. The Judge took the view that a fuller assessment of the impact of the A5 proposals on the Rivers Foyle and Finn Special Areas of Conservation should have been carried out. Since then, four draft reports have been developed to assess any impacts on all designated environmentally sensitive sites (9 in total) in the vicinity of the scheme and where appropriate, mitigation measures are proposed. A public consultation exercise on these draft reports commenced on 30 April 2014 and concluded on 28 November Within A Fresh Start: the Stormont Agreement and Implementation Plan the Northern Ireland Executive and the Irish Government have agreed that construction on the first section of the A5 will commence in 2017 with a view to completion by This is however subject to the successful completion of statutory processes. The first section is the route between Newbuildings and north of Strabane (now referred to as Phase 1A). A new Environmental Statement, together with the draft Direction Order, draft Vesting Orders and a new Stopping up Order were published on 16 February 2016, initiating a public consultation period which extends to 4 April Public exhibitions on the proposed schemes are also being held from 1 March 2016 through to 4 March 2016 in Londonderry, Omagh, Strabane and Ballygawley respectively. Further details on venues and times can be found on the A5WTC scheme specific website: In total, three Draft Vesting Orders have now been published for consultation, reflecting the geographical separation of the two parts of Phase 1 as well as the limits of Phase 2, namely: (a) Phase 1A Notice of Intention to Make a Vesting Order (NIMVO): Junction 1 (New Buildings) to Junction 3 (north of Strabane) (b) Phase 1B NIMVO: Junction 13 (South of Omagh) to Junction 15 (Ballygawley) (c) Phase 2 NIMVO: Junction 3 (north of Strabane) to Junction 13 (South of Omagh) In line with the Inspector s recommendation from the previous Public Inquiry on the Page 7

10 scheme, new draft Vesting and Direction Orders for the section between Ballygawley and the border at Aughnacloy are not being taken forward until details of the link with the N2 at the border with the Irish Republic have been clearly identified. This section, referred to as Phase 3, is however being included within the Environmental Statement as it must take account of the full extents of an overall project. On completion of the above consultation period a further Public Inquiry will most likely be required and this is currently tentatively scheduled for autumn Page 8

11 1.2.1 A6 Randalstown to Castledawson (Managed by Northern Division). The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTN TP) 2015 endorsed the provision of a continuous dual carriageway from the western end of the M22 at Randalstown to the Castledawson Roundabout. Layout of alternative east of Bellshill junction Progress Report A planning application for an alternative junction layout at Bellshill Road was submitted at the end of June Planning approval for the junction was granted on 3 December TransportNI published a draft Vesting Order to acquire the land required to complete the junction in January Objections were received and a Public inquiry held on 29 and 30 September 2015 to examine the case for and against acquiring land to build the junction. The Inspector has produced her report which the Department is currently considering. Construction In May last year, Graham/Farrans Joint Venture was awarded the contract for the development of the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Project, the first phase of which was to assist TransportNI with completion of the design development work, which is currently ongoing. Transport Minister, Michelle McIlveen recently announced that the allocations for the A6 set out in the Budget Statement of December 2015 will enable construction to commence in the next financial year. It is intended that work on site will commence late summer/autumn Visit to find out more about the scheme. Page 9

12 1.2.2 A6 Londonderry to Dungiven (Managed by Northern Division) The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTN TP) 2015 endorsed the provision of a 30 kilometre dual carriageway from Londonderry to Dungiven, including a dual carriageway bypass of Dungiven. The scheme complements the Ilex Regeneration Plan for Londonderry and the wider North West. Progress Report The A6 Londonderry to Dungiven scheme is well advanced in terms of development. It has been through Public Inquiry (2012) and the Inspector has produced a report embracing various recommendations, some relating to complex issues. Officials have prepared a report addressing the recommendations arising from the Public Inquiry and are currently reviewing the extent of this scheme which can be built with the funding allocations in the December 2015 Budget Statement Once the Minister has received these reports and considered them in full, she will make a decision on how the scheme should proceed. Construction The indicative allocations for the 2017/ /21 period will allow the Department to construct elements of the A6 Londonderry to Dungiven scheme, which includes a bypass of Dungiven. Subject to making the statutory orders, approval of the final business case and successful procurement it is possible that the first phase of the Londonderry Dungiven scheme could commence in the latter part of 2018/19. Visit to find out more about the scheme. Page 10

13 1.2.3 A2 Buncrana Road The Regional Strategic Transport Network Transport Plan (RSTN TP) 2015 endorsed improvement of the A2 Buncrana Road, Londonderry from Pennyburn Roundabout to the border with the Republic of Ireland. Progress Report The preferred route for the scheme, announced on 10 February 2009, will widen the existing road from Pennyburn Roundabout to Skeoge Link Roundabout to four lanes and will provide a dual carriageway from Skeoge Roundabout to the Border with the Republic of Ireland. Further work is required to complete the preliminary design and assessment of the scheme. When complete, this would provide sufficient information to ensure the land required to facilitate improvement of Buncrana Road is afforded a degree of planning protection. There are no plans at this time to proceed to publication of draft statutory orders Construction There is no provision in the budget for construction of the scheme and spending beyond the current budget period on schemes such as the Buncrana Road improvement will dependent upon the level of funding made available through future budgetary settlements and the relative priorities afforded to schemes competing for the available funds. To find out more about the scheme visit buncrana-road-londonderry-overview Page 11

14 2.0 NETWORK MAINTENANCE - UPDATE ON PLANNED WORKS Network Maintenance Manager: Harold Henry He is supported by: Robert McCartney Section Engineer 1 Crescent Road Londonderry BT47 2NQ Tel: TransportNI.Western@drdni.gov.uk Page 12

15 2.1 STRUCTURAL MAINTENANCE - Planned Works Resurfacing In the financial year the following roads were resurfaced at an estimated cost of 410,000. Road No Road Name Length (m) Status B507 Northland Road 580 Complete C680 Drumlegagh Church Road 560 Complete U101 Castlefin Road, Castlederg 250 Complete U4552 Millbrook Lane, Newtownstewart 80 Complete Surface Dressing This year it was proposed to surface dress approximately kms of road subject to funding kms have been completed. Page 13

16 3.0 NETWORK DEVELOPMENT - UPDATE ON PLANNED WORKS NETWORK DEVELOPMENT MANAGER: Seamus Keenan He is supported by: Deaglan MacBride Network Development TransportNI 1 Crescent Road Londonderry BT47 2NQ Tel: deaglan.macbride@drdni.gov.uk Page 14

17 In Network Development Section delivered various traffic management related schemes in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area representing an investment of approximately 450,000 in the local infrastructure. Some of these are detailed below under specific function headings. 3.1 Traffic Management Schemes Road No Road Name Description Status B521 Bradley Pass / Glengalliagh Road. Works to signalise the junction of Bradley Pass and Glengalliagh Road. Complete Page 15

18 A1002 Pennyburn Roundabout Provision of part time signals to manage the morning peak flows. Complete Pennyburn Roundabout 3.2 Pedestrian Measures Road No Road Name Description Status B194 Racecourse Road Upgrade of crossing to Puffin Commenced B49 Berryhill Road, Donemana Provision of footway Phase 1 Complete 3.3 Traffic Calming Road Name Scheme details Status Tullyalley Road, Tullyalley Provide traffic calming in the form of vertical deflection measures. Design stage Page 16

19 3.4 Safer Routes to School (SRS) Road No Address Description Status B48 Newbuildings Primary School. Install warning signs with Complete Duncastle Road, Newbuildings. flashing lights and associated carriageway markings. Also regulate the crossing point for children. B48 St Patricks Primary School, Install warning signs with Complete Lisnaragh Road, Donemana flashing lights and associated carriageway markings. Page 17

20 B49 Donemana Primary School Install warning signs with Complete Longland Road, Donemana flashing lights and associated carriageway markings. 3.5 Local Transport and Safety Measures (LT&SM) The following Local Transport and Safety Measures schemes were progressed in 2015/16, and will be included in future programmes subject to availability of funding. Road No Road Name Description A2 Clooney Road Develop route strategy from Caw Roundabout to Maydown Roundabout. A2 Caw Roundabout Identify options for traffic control including signalisation of approaches B49 A0501 Berryhill Road, Donemana Ballyarnett Roundabout Provision of footway Phase 2 & 3 Capacity upgrade scheme. Progress scheme through to completion of design. B118 Tamnaherin Road Sightline improvements at junctions on this link road from the A6 Glenshane Road to Eglinton. Page 18

21 4.0 STRUCTURES STRUCTURES MANAGER: David McKinley He is supported by: Harry Gallagher Structures Section TransportNI County Hall Drumragh Avenue Omagh BT79 7AF Tel: Page 19

22 4.1 STRUCTURES Update on PLANNED WORKS 2015/16 During Bridge Management Section carried out work to structures in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area representing an investment of approximately 210,000 in the local infrastructure. Foyle Bridge - Completion of Gantry Refurbishment Bridge No/ Bridge Name, Location Description of Status Road No proposed work / A515 Foyle Bridge, Madams Bank Road, Londonderry / B84 Abercorn Bridge, Castlebrae Road, Newtownstewart Completion of Gantry refurbishment Scour protection Ongoing Complete Page 20

23 Bridge No/ Bridge Name, Location Description of Status Road No proposed work / C677 Spamount Footbridge, Drumnabey Road, Spamount Deck strengthening and surface replacement Commenced / C611 Sperrin Bridge, Parapet strengthening Complete U1119 Culmore Point Road, Sea wall repairs Complete Londonderry 4.2 STRUCTURES Vehicle Restraint Systems Vehicle restraint systems (VRS) across Western Division have been inspected and remedial work prioritised. Some of these VRS will be replaced in the coming years and particular attention will be paid to barrier on wooden posts with welded angle ends. Sites will be assessed on an individual basis and current design standards will be applied. If additional barrier is needed it will be provided and if the need for barrier can be eliminated that opportunity will be taken. It is likely that the programme of work in the Derry City and Strabane District Council area will include the following: Road Road Name Length of Existing Status Number Barrier (m) A5 Prehen Road, Londonderry 500m Complete Page 21

24 5.0 STREET LIGHTING STREET LIGHTING MANAGER: Seamus Keenan He is supported by: Martin Curran Street Lighting Section TransportNI County Hall Omagh BT79 7AF Tel: Page 22

25 5.1 Street Lighting In the financial year 660,000 has been allocated for capital street lighting works within the Derry City and Strabane District Council area. This has been used to continue our general programme of improvement/replacement of older systems. Opportunity has also be taken to improve street lighting in areas where other street works are planned. The following is an update on street lighting schemes planned in : Claudy Page 23

26 SCHEME TITLE SCHEME DESCRIPTION Status Ballymagroarty Phase 2, 3 &4 Further Phases of Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Complete Bloomfield Park Phase 1 Bloomfield Park Phase 3 Car Parks - Strabane & Londonderry Phased Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Phased Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Alterations for Handover to Council Complete Phase 1 & Phase 2 Not Started On going Glenowen Park, Phase 1 Phased Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Pillar erected Glen Road Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Complete Grange Avenue Street Lighting Upgrade Scheme Complete Craigavon Bridge Pedestrian Foyle Road Jct. Additional lighting Not started Main Street Claudy Phase 3 Completion of Street Lighting Renewal Scheme commenced 2014/15 Complete Northland Road Crawford Square to Edenballymore Lodge Sandale Park cul-de-sac (lantern change) Slievemore Park Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Street Lighting Upgrade Scheme Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Complete Not started On going Fern Park Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Started Gortica Road, Drumahoe Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Not started Claggan Road, Straidarrin Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Not started Melmount Road, Strabane, Phase 2 Further Phase of Street Lighting Renewal Scheme Complete Page 24

27 SCHEME TITLE SCHEME DESCRIPTION Status Ballymagorry Village Centre Painting of street lighting columns Complete Bellspark Road, Clady Street Lighting Replacement/Upgrade Complete Breen Park, Victoria Bridge Street Lighting Replacement/Upgrade Not started Springmount Park, Victoria Bridge Street lighting Replacement/Upgrade Not started Page 25