DfI ‘dragging their heels’ on crucial safety upgrade at Derry's Caw Roundabout

SDLP Fairer Infrastructure Spokesperson, Mark H Durkan MLA has called on the Minister for Infrastructure, Liz Kimmins to give the go-ahead for urgent safety improvements at the Caw Roundabout in Derry.

SDLP representatives have been liaising with developer, South Bank Square who have agreed to fully fund the design and upgrade works at the notoriously dangerous Caw junction. The department previously committed to signalising the route but action was not taken, citing funding pressures and complications surrounding Caw to Drumahoe Phase 2 of the A6 dualling project.

The MLA for Foyle said: “I have written yet again to the Infrastructure Minister about the long overdue upgrade of Caw Roundabout.

“I'm starting to feel like Andy Dufresne writing letters for more books for the Shawshank prison library. DFI has yet to respond to proposals from the developer of Rosses Gate to pay for measures to improve safety and traffic flow at both Caw and Gransha Roundabouts.

“This roundabout was already in dire need of an upgrade but with the nearby development at Rosses Gate now well underway the need is becoming desperate. Not only is it causing danger and delays in traffic but, unless this is resolved as a matter of urgency, it will also delay the delivery or more much-needed homes.

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“The Department has really dragged their feet on delivering this key piece of work, despite sustained efforts from SDLP representatives.

"Now, with a cost neutral solution staring them in the face, they cannot delay it any longer. For the sake of road safety and to address prolonged traffic congestion along this route, approval must be given urgently.”