Pedestrians in Banbridge have expressed concerns over a new road layout in the town centre.
As of Sunday, November 17, a number of key changes came into effect at the Downshire Bridge, or ‘The Cut’ as it is known locally.
These include the introduction of two ‘Give Way’ signs and road markings at the top of Newry Street and Bridge Street. This means motorists should stop and give way on their approach up the legs of The Cut.
The traffic priority will now be for vehicles moving through Scarva Street and Rathfriland Street.
The works come as part of a £6 million public realm scheme, which aimed to enhance pedestrian accessibility and the movement of traffic in the area.
When Armagh I visited on Tuesday morning, it was clear that most motorists were still getting used to the new layout, with a few brief tailbacks and some near misses.
Most were taking their time on approach, as the new layout was clearly signposted at all four points of approach to the bridge.
Some pedestrians we spoke to were concerned the new layout was dangerous. Most said the new layout had been tried before but didn’t work then.
“It’s ridiculous,” said Banbridge man Mr S. McFadden. “Somebody is going to get hit. They done this before one time and there were too many accidents.”
Traffic on Rathfriland Street and Scarva Road now has right of way over vehicles travelling up The Cut
Another local said: “It’s useless. They did it 30 years ago and it only lasted six weeks. It would be far better to make it a one-way street. Older people will burn their clutches out on the hill. It’s going to take a while to get used to.”
UUP Alderman Glenn Barr said he had heard of “several near misses” already.
Most others, including some business owners, said it was a case of “wait and see”.
This sentiment was echoed by local DUP councillor Ian Wilson. He said: “Any change to any road layout is going to be difficult for a while until people get used to the changes.
“It’s like everything, it’ll be reviewed and we will see how it goes. I think to say it’s dangerous at this early stage is a wee bit presumptuous.
“I’d be concerned about negative comments in regards to the town. I think we can be a bit melodramatic about it. Overtime hopefully people will get used to it and it will be reviewed but I think we need to give it a bit of time and see how it works.”
During the initial design stages of the public realm scheme, extensive consultations were undertaken with a range of user groups including the Chamber of Commerce, Section 75 groups, such as RNIB, Guide Dogs UK and the Older People’s Alliance.
The Department for Infrastructure advised that the junction at The Cut should be improved to adhere to new guidance.
An audit was carried out by Inclusive Mobility and Transport Advisory Committee (IMTAC), which identified the junction as a particularly unfriendly environment for pedestrians.
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