Following years of campaigning, work will finally begin on a traffic calming scheme on the Old Portadown Road in Lurgan.
Taghnevan residents and political parties have long called for measures to be put in place – and finally those calls have resulted in action.
On Monday (August 22), work will begin on the installation of pedestrian crossings.
SDLP Lurgan Councillor Ciaran Toman said the scheme is something that his party has been calling for on behalf of the local community for some time, “so there will be great relief that it is being delivered”.
He said: “For many years cold water had been poured on calls for traffic calming measures on one of Lurgan’s busiest roads but I was pleased to see that the concerns of residents were taken into account and this scheme was added to the 2021/22 work programme from DfI.
“The new pedestrian crossings on the busy Old Portadown Road will make it safer for children going to school, to the play park and MUGA, for residents going to the shops or crossing to get the bus into town. I know parents in particular will welcome this latest development.
“As well as improving overall road safety these measures will provide much needed improved connectivity for the area. Creating a safer and accessible route for pedestrians that everyone can enjoy will go a long way in creating healthy, happier communities.
“Over the past several years we have been working closely with the former Infrastructure Minister, Nichola Mallon to make Lurgan safer, greener and better connected and new infrastructure such as these pedestrian crossings, along with other improvements such as the installation of 20mph zones outside schools enables more walking and cycling for adults and children. We are now seeing the fruits of one’s labour.”
