Longford MD hears no date for commencement of Newtownforbes road works

The start date for resurfacing works on the N4 outside Newtownforbes has been held up until TII (Transport Infrastructure Ireland) formally sanction the works.
Last April the local authority indicated they were reducing the speed limits on the edge of the village to facilitate the N4 Newtownforbes to Clooniher pavement rehabilitation scheme.

At the July meeting of Longford MD Councillor Gerry Hagan tabled a motion calling on Longford MD to carry out resurfacing works and reinstatement of road markings on the Newtownforbes to Rooskey Road at Ballagh Bridge.
“This stretch of road is in a very poor state of Repair and is an accident waiting to happen as road markings have completely disappeared,” Cllr Hagan said at the meeting.

The matter was raised early by Cllr Martin Monaghan under the Manager's Report. Cllr Monaghan said: “This has been going on for the last five months and it is outside of our remit, it's actually TII. The contractors have been appointed and I just want to know what stage it's at?”

Brian Faughnan, Executive Engineer for Longford County Council, outlined the process: “A tender assessment was carried out and a recommendation was sent to TII for approval. Longford County Council are currently awaiting sanction to appoint a contractor.

“We have everything ready to go and are just awaiting approval to appoint the contractor to carry out the work. That is the position at the moment,” Mr Faughnan said.

Cllr Hagan said the works should be a priority: “It's a very dangerous situation, particularly for motorists trying to access the Drumlish Newtownforbes road. There are no road markings. You are in no man's land when you are trying to turn off a very busy main road.”
Mr Faughnan reiterated the point that all the information has been sent to TII and the local authority are now waiting for formal approval of the contract.