§ Mr. Robert McCartneyTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what were the accident and casualty rates over the last five years on the Balloo road in Bangor; if he will give an assessment of the improvements required; and what are his Department's plans for upgrading that road. [31127]
§ Mr. MossResponsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Roads Service under its chief executive, Mr. W. J. McCoubrey. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from W. J. McCoubrey to Mr. Robert McCartney, dated 31 May 1996:
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland has asked me to reply to your question about accident and casualty rates on the Balloo Road in Bangor and future improvement proposals for the road.The RUC, who are responsible for compiling accident statistics, have advised me that in the 5 year period 1991–1995 inclusive 39 injury accidents in which 2 people were killed and 60 injured (7 seriously) were recorded in respect of the Balloo Road in Bangor.Balloo Road is 2,200 metres long. The two end sections of the road, totalling some 1,400 metres have been reconstructed in the last 10 years at a cost of £1.5M. A scheme to bring the 800m central section up to a similar standard is included in the 6–15 year major roadworks programme where its priority will be assessed as part of a detailed review to be completed later this year. The work will involve reconstructing the carriageway to 9 m width with right turning lanes at 4 junctions, constructing footways on each side and installing traffic signals with a pedestrian facility at the Bloomfield Road South junction.