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Calls for safety upgrade at busy Richhill junction after elderly man knocked down

Richhill junction

There have been calls for safety improvements at a junction just outside Richhill after an elderly man was knocked down by a car on Saturday.

The accident happened at the Crewcatt Road and Sleepy Valley junction, close to Fruitfield supermarket and filling station, on the main Portadown to Armagh Road.

The man, who is a regular walker, had been attempting to cross the road when he was struck by a car.

He is currently recovering in hospital after sustaining injuries to his ribs.

Newry & Armagh DUP Assemblyman William Irwin knows the man well.

He said: “This was a worrying incident and I am grateful that the gentleman, who I know well, is recovering in hospital from his injuries and I wish him well in his continued recovery.”

The MLA said it is vital Transport NI make improvements at the junction.

“The junction at this point on the main Armagh Portadown Road is notoriously difficult to emerge from on either side and that danger has been proven many times with road accidents and this latest incident involving a pedestrian reinforces the importance of finding solutions to improve road safety at this location,” he said.

“The fact there is a busy supermarket and filling station facility close by means there are two right turns in close succession, as well as a left turn for Crewcatt Road.

“This is then a problem for vehicles emerging on to the main road from both Crewcatt Road and Sleepy Valley and also the supermarket site.”

He added: “I will continue to lobby both the Infrastructure Minister and Transport NI locally on this issue as I do believe there are improvements that could be made to greatly enhance safety and reduce the risk for pedestrians and motorists alike.

“I have in the past made the case for street lighting at this location and I do feel this would be a major improvement for evening times in terms of making the turn-ins more easily identified and also assist pedestrian visibility which is something I will again raise with Transport NI.”

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