Safety reviews at Crescent Link and Rossdowney Road area

The Journal reported earlier this week how survey works at the entrance to Crescent Link were under way, following concerns raised by residents and public representatives over several years.

Alliance Councillor Philip McKinney has warned that residents living nearby and pedestrians were having to take their lives in their hands crossing the road.

The DfI had previously committed to conducting a traffic survey four months ago, but a Department for Infrastructure spokesperson told the Journal this week: “A traffic survey was not carried out in September as it was considered that volumes counted would not be representative of normal conditions owing to Covid-19 restrictions.

“DfI is now carrying out traffic and pedestrian surveys in December to inform an assessment of the need for a controlled pedestrian crossing at the roundabout adjacent to Crescent Link Retail Park. These surveys are ongoing.”

Colr. McKinney had written several times to DfI over the matter, and over the concerns raised about the speed limit at Rossdowney Road, which he said was also putting people’s safety at risk.

A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson responded: “A review of the speed limit on Rossdowney Road is scheduled for January. The Department will then be in a position to make a decision on the appropriate speed limit in accordance with policy guidelines.”

Colr. McKinney welcomed that DFI Roads Division had started a process of looking at the problems within Crescent Link Retail Park, although he said he was disappointed it has taken over a year “to finally get movement on this issue”.

“On a brighter note,” he added, “its great that DFI Roads Division have confirmed that they intend to start carrying out an assessment in January 2021 on the issue of reducing the speed limit on Rossdowney Road between the Cemetery and Crescent Link.

“Residents of Summer Meadows, Blackthorn Manor, and the parents of pupils attending Lisneal College will welcome these moves.”