There are no plans for safety upgrades at a busy Derry junction - despite concerns over the dangers posed to motorists.
The junction of Whitehouse Road and the Buncrana Road (pictured) has, for many years, been the source of concern due to the difficulties faced by motorists attempting to traverse it, particularly drivers exiting from the Woodbrook and Whitehouse areas.
It was hoped that a proposed widening of the Buncrana Road would help address some of the issues associated with the junction.
However, Transport NI announced in February that the £40m scheme would no longer be going ahead due to a lack of available funding.
Now, a spokesperson for Transport NI said that it had ‘no plans’ to look at introducing new safety measures at the junction.
“The junction of Whitehouse Road with Buncrana Road is similar to many other junctions accessing onto main arterial routes leading into the city and there are no plans to carry out works to this junction at this time,” the spokesperson said.
SDLP Foyle MLA Mark H Durkan said Transport NI must take ‘urgent action’ and address the ongoing safety concerns.
''For years, my attempts to alleviate the difficulties and dangers encountered by motorists trying to negotiate this junction have been frustrated and fobbed off by Transport NI,” he said.
“The excuse used most often was that the imminent dualling of the Buncrana Road would render any works to improve this junction an unnecessary expense.
“However, given the lamentable decision to shelve the plan to dual the Buncrana Road it is essential that Transport NI revisit their position and take action that in my opinion is essential to improve road safety.”
He concluded: “I will continue to press this argument with the new minister after the election and hope that whoever that may be sees sense and acts quickly."
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