Market Street Traffic Problems Cause Widespread Concern

However, local politicians have reacted angrily calling on the Roads Service to put steps in place to make Downpatrick’s roads safer. Down District Councillor Colin McGrath (SDLP) said, “It is time out traffic system was properly reviewed before someone loses a life. The Roads Service needs to listen more to what people are saying. My colleague Cllr Dermot Curran has been a strong advocate of calling for traffic improvements in Downpatrick at meetings with the Roads Service. [caption id="attachment_26657" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="The section of road in Market Street in Downpatrick where an 82-year old man was knocked down and injured by a lorry."][/caption] “He is particularly concerned at the bus stop located in Lower Market Street which seems to cause traffic congestion. This space could be used to provide improved traffic parking. There are just too many problems and not enough solutions. “We really all need to lock ourselves away in a room for a day and discuss this in depth. There will be an even bigger traffic problem when the new school opens  in Edward Street where two primary schools have combined from the start of the term, St Patrick’s Primary and the Convant of Mercy PS. This will be a nightmare daily for the residents and parents leaving children to school and will definitely cause congestion. “We need a strategic approach to this matter and we need to be sitting now round the table sorting it out before another accident happens.” Councillor Liam Johnston (Sinn Féin) said, “The area around the bus stop in Lower Market Street is dangerous. Traffic is accelerating in the single lane from the lights, and there are two lanes on the opposite side of the road. So anyone crossing there is taking a real risk. This is the most dangerous road in Downpatrick without a doubt and it is a bad situation. “The Roads Service needs to take whatever steps are necessary to make this part of the road safe again. Safety must come first. People don’t mind a little delay. On this road there are buses, lorries, vans, diggers etc and money should never be a consideration when lives are at risk. “All of our councillors are deeply concerned about the state of traffic on Market Street. Does it take a fatality before we can see some action? Prevention is better than cure. The traffic management needs to be safer in the interest of all the road users…for drivers, cyclists and pedestrains.” The Down News / Jim Masson Facebook page has also received a number of comments/postings from people who use this part of the road regularly. There is no doubt about it… there is a seething frustration at traffic management in Downpatrick, and something has to be done to ease it. DRD Explains Background To Traffic Management In Downpatrick A DRD spokesman said further explained the background to traffic management development in Downpatrick.  ” Roads Service has been working with various bodies including Down District Council preparing the Downpatrick Masterplan which examines a series of road traffic improvements. The plan does examine many of the problems in Downpatrick such as congestion, investment, economic growth, tourism etc and proposes ambitious solutions. These could involve new and large road schemes, junction improvements and traffic management measures. “However, all of these will require funding and acceptance of change from many different stakeholders. This is a long term solution and the building of any new roads is unlikely to gain funding in the near future. “There are several proposals are being considered in the shorter term to help alleviate congestion at a number of locations within Downpatrick Town Centre: 1.  “In 2010, consultants were commissioned to carry out a traffic study for Downpatrick Town Centre. A preliminary report was produced which identified five options for achieving improved traffic flows. The most effective of these, involving a new link road from Irish Street, in the vicinity of the PSNI station, to St Patricks Ave, is now being analysed in greater detail. A further report is expected shortly for further considersation.The latter will be dependent on the PSNI Station relocating to the Downshire site which I understand is programmed for 2013. 2.  Killough Road / Ardglass Rd and Collins Corner Junctions “Consultants are currently completing a report on improvements at these junctions with a view to increasing capacity and making the route through these junctions more efficient for traffic expected over the coming years to the Downshire site. Roads Service remain hopeful that these schemes can be completed in next couple of years following satisfactory completion of all the necessary legislative processes and consultations. 3.      One-Way traffic system – Edward St / St Dillions Ave “Roads Service is considering a one-way system in Edward Street, with alterations to the current one-way system operating in St Dillon’s Avenue. An informal letter drop to residents was carried out earlier this year and objections from local residents were received. These objections are currently being considered. “As with all schemes, implementation is dependant on funding. “Roads Service will continue to monitor traffic issues within Downpatrick Town Centre and take appropriate measures subject to any budget restrictions and other priorities placed at that time.”]]>