'A1 PLANS WILL SPLIT RURAL COMMUNITY IN TWO'
PLANS to abolish the crossover points on the A1 carriageway will "split the rural community in two" it was claimed at the monthly meeting of Banbridge council last week.
Councillor John Hanna made the comment during a discussion on Roads Service proposals to close the central median along the A1 from Hillsborough to Loughbrickland.
Councillors' attention had been drawn to a letter from Julie McDowell, regional director of AECOM Limited, which has been appointed by DRD Roads Service to "assess the potential environmental impact" associated with the proposal which is linked to phase two of junction improvements along the A1.
In her letter, Ms McDowell pointed out the median closures would involve the closing of crossovers of the central reservation, resulting in vehicles accessing this section of the carriageway only being able to turn left on to and from the A1.
While recognising there were safety issues involved, Mr Hanna said it was "extreme" to close all the crossovers and he believed each one should be considered on its individual merits.
"This course of action will split the rural community in two," said Mr Hanna. "Recently, I saw a large Landrover with a food van trying to cross the central reservation and it was very dangerous because part of it was hanging across the carriageway. However, the proposal to close off all crossover points shows no consideration at all for rural dwellers in the area and other solutions could be looked at, such as underpasses.
"This would not be allowed to happen in other countries such as France, where farmers would be out protesting and blocking the roads with tractors and dung spreaders."
Councillor Jim McElroy pointed out that four to six new bridges interspersed along the stretch between Loughbrickland and Hillsborough had been suggested at an earlier meeting with Roads Service as a possible solution, but these were "10 years away". Mr McElroy also claimed the council had been "promised" that the changes to the carriageway would not take place until theses new bridges were erected.
Councillor David Herron first raised the issue when he voiced concern over the extra mileage and expense which would be incurred by the farming community should the closures go ahead.
"I do realise that for health and safety reasons these closures have been proposed, but I am concerned at the burden which will be brought to bear on local farmers who need to move livestock or who are cutting sileage and need to cross the road," said Mr Herron. "They will have to travel miles out of their way and will be restricted to making left-hand turns."
Councillor Patrick McAleenan agreed the proposed closures would cause much inconvenience and extra mileage costs for farmers, but he thought lives would be saved by the early closure of the crossings.
"The last few years there have been a number of accidents at crossover junctions and I think the safety aspect must be a good thing," he said. His views were endorsed by Councillor Seamus Doyle who also highlighted the danger aspect , saying "the backend of lorries" regularly stretch into the carriageway and pose a danger for motorists.
"It is just too dangerous for some long vehicles to drive straight across," said Mr Doyle. "At the very least we need a slipway where vehciles can safely wait in line to cross all lanes of the carriageway."
Council chief executive, Mr Liam Hannaway, said he would highlight the council's concerns and comments in a letter to be sent to Aecom as part of the consultation process.
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Weather for Dromore
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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