Traffic lightsupgrade toaddress junction congestion

DRD Roads Service are to begin the work which will bring ‘intelligent’ traffic lights to the city for the first time.

It is hoped the system will alleviate some of the congestion in the area.

However, drivers are being warned that some delays may be expected and are being asked to leave extra time for their journeys.

Speaking about the new system, Alderman Jonathan Craig said he was “curious” to see how the traffic lights would function, when the work, which is scheduled to take between six to eight weeks, is completed.

Mr Craig said: “These lights work on the volume of traffic, the number of cars and have automatic variable timings. They are also apparently upgraded to the latest disability standards, with noises when you are at the junction and that sort of thing so this will be interesting.

“I am curious myself to see what they will be like. They have been tried elsewhere, but I think this is a first for Lisburn. It will be good to see if it improves the traffic flow in the area.”

Mr Craig said the area was notoriously busy, with a high volume of traffic, and that he will be “interested” to see how the upgraded works affect the flow.

A DRD spokesperson said: “Roads Service will be carrying out work to upgrade the traffic lights at the Wallace Avenue Junction from Monday 9 January. The works will take approximately six to eight weeks to complete and drivers are advised that traffic management arrangements will be in place during this time.

“Whilst every effort will be made to progress the works as quickly and efficiently as possible, motorists should be aware that some delays may be expected and that additional time should be allowed when planning any journeys.”