Maintenance cash for Craigavon Bridge welcomed

SDLP Councillor Martin Reilly, who serves on Derry City Council, has welcomed a letter from the DRD Minister Danny Kennedy highlighting almost £500,000 spent on maintenance works on the Craigavon Bridge in the last year and details of a new scheme to improve the riverside walk from Water Street to the bridge.

Cllr Reilly, who has called for an upgrade of the Craigavon Bridge and its environs in the run-up to City of Culture 2013, said: “I welcome the positive news from the Minister that Roads Service has spent £468,000 over the last year on maintenance works on the Craigavon Bridge and that in addition to the re-laying of the footway in Duke Street with more attractive paving (which is almost complete) they will also be commencing shortly on a new scheme to improve the riverside walk from Water Street to the bridge.

“In the run-up to City of Culture 2013 it is vital we improve the visual amenity of roads and streets in this area which is a key arterial route into the city.

“The opening of the Peace Bridge last year will no doubt have led to a reduction in the number of pedestrians using the Craigavon Bridge, but motorists are still left to witness a bridge and its environs in need of an upgrade and a fresh lease of life.”

Mr Reilly added: “I also welcome confirmation from Roads Service that they are to upgrade the footpaths in streets that run off nearby Spencer Road. Constituents raised with me their wish to upgrade some of the buildings located there to provide accommodation for visitors next year.

“It is positive to see Roads Service also investing in their infrastructure in the Waterside area of the city.”