Councillor John Trainor Speaks On Downpatrick Roads

Downpatrick Councillor John Trainor has called on Transport NI to review a number of Junctions in the Downpatrick area.

Councillor Trainor said following the annual presentation this evening (Monday 23 October) from Transport NI to Newry Mourne and Down District Council, that: “There are a number of Junctions around Downpatrick that are adding to traffic congestion in the town and there are some junctions that would present dangers to pedestrians and motorists.

Downpatrick Councillor John Trainor pictured at the staggered junction at Ballymote.

“The Junctions at Killough Road/Ballynoe Road and Flying Horse Road/Ardglass Road are prime examples,” said Cllr Trainor. Both are major junctions in the town that take motorists both into town and out of the town to the surrounding greater Lecale area. At peak times there can be considerable traffic trying to exit both junctions into town. I have asked Transport NI to explore a slip lane at both to address these issues.

Councillor John Trainor at the Killough/Ardglass Road junction in Downpatrick.

“With regards Junctions that present safety concerns, Killough Road/Ardglass Road junction and Killough Road/Racecourse Hill/Ardpatrick Avenue are both junctions that present safety fears for motorists/cyclists, pedestrians and residents alike.

“I have therefore asked Transport NI to review the junction at Ardpatrick Avenue/Killough Road/Racecourse Hill and to explore solutions to issues residents face coming out of Ardpatrick Avenue and to motorists using this junction in general.

“I have also asked them to explore ways to increase pedestrian safety at this junction and at the Killough Road/Ardglass Road junction ensuring there is clear visibility for pedestrians crossing near high speed traffic.”