One-way town centre traffic system plans progressing

Legislation for a new one-way traffic system to facilitate Ballymena's Public Realm Scheme has been processed and is ready to be implemented when the contractor has the necessary civil works complete, councillors have been informed by TransportNI.

New one-way traffic orders for Alexander Street, Broadway Avenue and Thomas Street are included in legislation currently being processed to facilitate the Scheme.

Amendments to existing parking and loading restrictions are also being processed.

The details were contained in Transport NI’s Northern Division annual report for Mid & East Antrim 2016-17 which was presented to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Community Planning Committee’s latest monthly meeting on June 14.

The 18-month £4.2m Public Realm Scheme, which is being jointly funded by Mid & East Antrim Council and the Department for Social Development (£2.6m), began in May 2015 and impacts on the four central thoroughfares of Wellington Street, Broughshane Street, Ballymoney Street and Church Street as well as Broadway.

The scheme aims to significantly enhance public space, accessibility and safety within the town centre and is expected to add new vitality to the area.

Its main features include the creation of a main focal point for the town centre and public space at Broadway; the introduction of a one-way system for Thomas Street; the use of high quality materials such as granite kerbs and paving, bespoke street lighting, street furniture and signage and the promotion of a ‘People First’ approach to rebalance pedestrian and traffic requirements.

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