Roads show signs of strain

We conducted our own quick survey, with a drive round the town spotting potholes.

As always you, the reader, were right with us as we received a number of calls about the state of the roads - particularly Levin Road and Lake Street.

Kieran Martin contacted the 'MAIL' after he encountered the potholes close to the level crossing at Lake Street: "I've had to take my car to a mechanic to have it checked out.

"There are two potholes in very quick succession."

He hit the pot holes early on Friday morning - just after 6am: "I think a few more people will be caught out whether its dark or daylight."

Another caller pointed to the state of Levin Road with several potholes there: "I think they've been there for a while but it'd be fair to say they've got worse since the big freeze."

Councillor Johnny McGibbon also pointed to Brownlow Terrace as an area in need of attention with the road there also badly affected.

The Sinn Fein councillor said: “No one could have predicted the extent of the recent bad weather and low temperatures.

“Naturally this has caused huge problems, and caused many roads across Craigavon to come in to a state of extreme disrepair. The dramatic increase in potholes is causing major dangers to road users.

“We now need the Roads Service to treat this issue with urgency and make the necessary repairs. I have written to the Roads Service highlighting the issues and await their response."

Even the town centre did not escape with the roadway showing signs of cracking up and Roads Service crew out to make repairs - we could hardly miss them as they were right on our doorstep.

Last month Roads Minister, Conor Murphy welcomed additional funds of 15million for roads' maintenance announced in the December in-year monitoring round.

The Minister said: “This additional money is particularly timely, given that the coldest December since 1981 will no doubt have had an effect on our road network. The repeated freezing and thawing cycles can cause carriageways to split and potholes to form.

"Whilst it will take time to assess the true extent of the damage, Roads Service undertakes a series of regular inspections and condition surveys to ensure the road network is maintained to defined standards and that serious road defects are detected and repaired.

“The condition of the North’s roads is of vital importance to the economy and it is essential therefore that the road network is properly maintained to provide a safe and efficient road network."

Have you concerns about the state of your road? Potholes driving you potty? Has your car suffered damage as a result of poor roads? Let us know. Text the 'MAIL' on 81800, remember to start your message LMCOMMENT. Texts cost 25p plus network rate.