Review to be conducted at busy A5 junction

AN assessment is to be undertaken at one of Strabane’s busiest junctions.

The Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins, says the review will focus on traffic management and the operation of the traffic light system at the Urney Road/Great Northern Link junction.

Ms Kimmins was responding to a written Assembly question from Sinn Féin's Maolíosa McHugh who previously described the route as "by far the most hazardous junction in the town of Strabane."

The West Tyrone MLA had asked his party colleague "in relation to the traffic lights at the Great Northern Link A5 junction with the Urney Road, Strabane, whether her department will (i) conduct an overall safety assessment; (ii) review the timings to ensure optimal traffic flow along the A5; and (iii) consider a filter light for traffic turning from the Urney Road onto the A5.

The junction sits at the town’s busiest thoroughfare and thousands of vehicles travel along it daily onto the main A5.

Over the years concerns have been expressed by locals following a number of accidents and near misses.

Local politicians have pressed the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) for action at the site.

In response to Mr McHugh, the Minister said: "I am aware that in recent weeks an error occurred with the vehicle detection at this junction, resulting in delays for through traffic on the A5.

"Officials have rectified the issue and the signals are operating as normal.

"A review of the overall operation of the junction will be undertaken to determine if further intervention is required."