SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan has welcomed confirmation from the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) Roads service that a portion of the A514 Crescent Link road outside the fire station, will be resurfaced within six months.
It follows calls from Mr Durkan to address the rapidly deteriorating road surface in the area.
Said the Foyle MLA: “I’m pleased that after asking DfI Roads to reassess the area that essential road maintenance works will be delivered for this section of road outside Crescent Link Fire Station.
“This area has, like many other road networks across the city, has fallen in to a state of disrepair.
“This particular route is heavily used not only by commuters but also emergency services; it’s important that the road network in the area is maintained to a decent standard.
“In August, DfI Roads advised me that this portion the Crescent Link didn’t meet the threshold for improvement works similar to a recent response which I received in regarding the Strand Road.
“However, it has since come to light, following an Assembly Question response from the Minister for Infrastructure, that the department doesn’t have a set threshold for the resurfacing of trunk roads. instead, it would appear that roads are prioritised based on the discretion of local engineers.
“This raises concerns in itself and I intend to scrutinise further.”
He added: “The department has been woefully and historically underfunded making it difficult for staff on the ground to carry out necessary works.
“The recent investment of £19m in road maintenance across the North, will be as much a relief to them as it will to all road users.
“It’s important that Derry gets its fair share of that funding and I’ve sought further clarity on the desperately needed resurfacing of the Strand Road.”
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