A renewed call has been made for a pedestrian footbridge to be installed along the Gosford Road in Markethill, amid ongoing concerns over road safety and a history of serious and fatal collisions on the busy route.
The issue was raised at the Assembly by DUP MLA Gareth Wilson, who highlighted the dangers faced by pedestrians crossing the main arterial road between Markethill and Gosford Forest Park, a popular destination that attracts large numbers of walkers and families throughout the year.
Mr Wilson said the Gosford Road has been associated with a number of tragic incidents, particularly in the vicinity of the Newry Road junction, and questioned whether Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins would commit to exploring the installation of a footbridge to improve safety.
“Given the popularity of Gosford Forest Park, and the fact that a very busy arterial route lies between the site and the town, would you commit to exploring the possibility of a pedestrian footbridge to improve accessibility and, importantly, improve road safety for pedestrians?” he asked.
Responding, Minister Kimmins said she was acutely aware of the concerns, noting that the road falls within her own constituency and is one she travels regularly.
“I recognise the significant concerns that the member has alluded to,” she said. “I am very aware of the number of fatalities that have occurred on that road, particularly in recent years.”
While explaining that a reduction in the speed limit is not currently supported by policy due to the road’s status as a main trunk route between Newry and Armagh, the Minister confirmed that officials would review a previous assessment for a pedestrian crossing to determine whether circumstances have changed.
She also signalled a willingness to work with other stakeholders, including local council and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, to examine whether additional safety measures could be introduced along the route.
“I’m happy to take that forward and see if there’s something additional that could happen,” she said.
Mr Wilson welcomed the Minister’s response and pressed further on whether junction layouts could be reassessed, including the potential introduction of right-turning lanes at some of the five main junctions serving the Markethill section of the road.
In reply, Minister Kimmins pointed to an ongoing public consultation on speed limits, but reiterated the challenges associated with altering limits on a key transport corridor. She did, however, confirm that options such as right-turn pockets and other junction improvements could be reviewed in collaboration with relevant partners.
“There are a number of stakeholders in the area, and I’d be keen to follow that up,” she added.
Local residents and road users have long voiced concerns about the safety of the Gosford Road, particularly for pedestrians accessing Gosford Forest Park, and the issue is now expected to be pursued further following the Assembly exchange.
