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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Shaun Keenan

Foyle MLA brands current A6 traffic safety measures "potential death trap"

A Foyle MLA has raised concerns about safety measures in place along the A6 network between Derry and Belfast.

SDLP MLA Mark H Durkan said the Temporary Traffic Management (TTM) measures in place as part of ongoing A6 construction works were a "potential death trap" and welcomed the Department for Infrastructure's (DfI) action to resolve the issue.

The concerns come after a period of adverse weather, which caused motorists using the road daily to take extra caution.

Read more: Family's appeal for information over fatal hit-and-run

It's understood that poor signage and lack of sufficient lighting for night driving, particularly surrounding a junction next to Claudy, was of concern.

The Foyle MLA said: “I’m glad that steps are finally being taken to address serious concerns around safety given the given the ongoing and prolonged construction works.

“Over the past year repeatedly called for an urgent review of current temporary mitigations both via the caretaker Infrastructure Minister and the Permanent Secretary. Current measures are not just confusing but a potential death trap. The most prevalent complaints pertain to poor signage and lack of sufficient lighting. It’s regrettable that it took so long for these concerns to be taken seriously.

“However, I’m pleased that department officials have completed a review of the temporary traffic management arrangements throughout the scheme, focusing on driving conditions during the hours of darkness.

"Several issues were identified including inadequate lighting provision which have been raised with the contractor to rectify as a matter of urgency.

“Upon my request, the installation of additional temporary lighting units is being considered with particular focus being paid to the Claudy junction.”

Meanwhile, anger has continued to build in recent months with the ongoing delays of the A6 dual carriageway scheme between Drumahoe and Dungiven.

Initially beginning construction in 2018, it's expected that the project will be completed in April 2023 despite works due to be finished by the end of this year.

MyDerry has contacted DfI for comment but they did not respond by the time of publication.

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