‘Shocking’ £1.8m bill for junction f ilter light
COUNCILLORS seeking to install a filter light at a busy Lisburn road junction have been told the “shocking” cost would be nearly £2m.
The DUP’S Jonathan Craig said there were safety concerns from drivers using The Cutts in Derriaghy.
It’s understood the preliminary estimate for the project is £1.8m, with the road requiring “extensive carriageway widening and realignment” to accommodate the light.
Responding to a question in the Assembly, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said it was expected the work would be completed within the “coming months”.
A COUNCILLOR was appalled after learning that it would cost over £1million to install a filter light at a Lisburn junction.
The DUP’S Jonathan Craig said there were ongoing safety concerns from drivers using the junction The Cutts in Derriaghy, near the Mckinstry Road.
Mr Craig added it was “absolutely shocking” that completing the design phase of the work would cost £160,000.
It is understood that the preliminary estimate for the project is £1.8million, with the road requiring “extensive carriageway widening and realignment” to accommodate the light.
Mr Craig instead proposed that the 30mph speed limit be extended beyond the Mckinstry Road junction with the Derriaghy Road.
SDLP Councillor Johnny Mccarthy, who seconded Mr Craig’s proposal, said the cost was “incredible”.
“I think (a concern) is how the costs seem to increase every time we ask questions about this,” Mr Mccarthy added.
“I think it was (previously) £750,000, so to see £1.8m was quite incredible.
“I think bringing a 30mph (limit) to that junction is the only sensible thing to do.”
Responding to a question-about the road in the Assembly, Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon said it was expected that work on the junction would be completed within the “coming months”.
“I am aware of the continued public concern and support for an improvement scheme and that a number of meetings highlighting this concern have taken place over the years with a number of elected representatives,” she added.
The Department for Infrastructure was contacted for further comment, but it did not respond by the time of publication.