Road safety measures call for Moira and Maghaberry

A local MLA has called on Transport NI to carry out improvements to junctions in Moira and Maghaberry.
MLA Paul GivanMLA Paul Givan
MLA Paul Givan

Mr Paul Givan said work needs to start along the A26 on the Glenavy Road and Maghaberry for safety reaons.

He said residents and commuters have complained to him about situation which he said is getting worse.

He claimed Transport NI have indicated assessments will be carried out that could assist in rationalisingthe movement of vehicles.

He said he was aware that finance would be a problem but believed that the solution would be one that could be resolved with a‘minimal spend.’

“Thousands of vehicles travel along the A26 between Moira and Nutts Corner and there are many junctions with smaller roads that are a safety concern,” he said. 

“The junctions with Station Road and Magheramesk Lane are located almost opposite each other and many concerns have been raised with me about safety implications surrounding the turning of vehicles into these roads.

He said a new design brief investigating the feasibility of a new scheme is being carried out.  “The present layout arrangements differ depending on whether motorists turn right into Magheramesk Lane towards Maghaberry or Station Road towards Moira. 

“Such a deviation confuses drivers with only one of the turns having a right turn pocket and the expectation that drivers turning right into Station Road should remain in the main thoroughfare without encroaching into the central turning lane is absurd and dangerous. 

“There is space in the central reservation that allows a safe waiting area to turn on to this road whilst allowing traffic to continue on the main road. I welcome the further investigation and have written again to the Principal Engineer to impress upon TransportNI that a common sense approach should be taken.