AQW 18639/22-27

Ms Kate Nicholl
Alliance Party
South Belfast

Tabled Date: 22/11/2024
Answered On Date: 10/12/2024
Priority Written: No

Question:
To ask the Minister for Infrastructure how road closures in local constituencies are notified to (i) residents; (ii) MLAs; and (iii) local councillors.

Answer:

My Department does not notify road closures directly to residents, MLAs and local councillors. Officials process between 25,000 and 30,000 road or lane closure applications annually on a recently developed system. This system sends an email notification of each approved work permit in advance of planned roadworks to a council-based distribution list which includes the local council, blue-light services, coastal and transportation services. Upcoming roadworks on the busiest routes are also advertised in the main press.

Given the volume of closures, and in line with the Limited Service principles being implemented because of funding pressures, communication with road users in relation to upcoming roadworks are focused on the busiest routes, primarily the 'A' Class network.

Communications include the use of advanced notification signage or Variable Messaging Signs on the impacted route in advance of the works, as well as notification on TrafficWatchNI as resources permit. Priority is given to advertisement of those roadworks that affect the public the most.