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A5 Road Upgrade Approved Amid Local Safety Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Road Upgrade Approved for the A5 Stretch
A recent court judgment has cleared the way for a widening and improvement scheme on the A5 corridor that runs between Derry and Strabane. The decision permits the construction of additional passing bays and other modernisation measures, though it does not call for a completely new road.
Community Perspectives on the Planned Works
Residents and small-business owners gathered at the Sollus Centre in Bready, County Tyrone, voiced mixed reactions. She stressed that a full replacement is unnecessary.
Elizabeth Given, also present at the meeting, expressed support for the upgrade but warned that a broader carriageway could encourage higher speeds. She linked increased speed to “human error” and noted that many accidents on the stretch are already attributed to driver behaviour rather than road design.
Davy Wilson, another community member, echoed the sentiment that while the road requires improvement, any changes must be balanced against safety considerations.
Potential Safety Implications
The primary concern among locals is that a wider road may lead to faster traffic, potentially raising the likelihood of speed-related collisions. Residents argue that without accompanying traffic-calming measures, the upgrade could exacerbate the very safety issues it aims to address.
What the Upgrade Entails
The approved scheme focuses on widening the existing carriageway, adding modernised passing bays, and updating road surfaces. It does not involve constructing a brand-new alignment, aligning with community calls for a measured approach rather than a complete overhaul.
Next Steps
With the judgment in place, the responsible authorities can now proceed with detailed design and construction planning. Stakeholders have indicated that ongoing community consultation will be essential to ensure that speed-management strategies accompany the physical improvements.