Department for Infrastructure Northern Ireland G : Hazzard announces new pedestrian crossing for Dundrum, Co Down

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has confirmed that a new pedestrian controlled (Puffin) crossing has been identified for Main Street in Dundrum, Co Down.

Chris Hazzard said:

'I am confident that a new Puffin crossing in Dundrum town centre is welcome news for the community and visitors alike. Puffin crossings are a relatively new type of controlled pedestrian crossing in the north and are much more user friendly than the traditional Pelican crossing.

'The new crossing will improve road safety for pedestrians, particularly vulnerable road users such as children, the elderly and people with disabilities. More than 10,000 vehicles pass through Dundrum every day and the introduction of a Puffin crossing facility will help balance the safety of pedestrians with the progression of vehicles through the town.'

The decision to provide a Puffin Crossing is based upon criteria relating to the number of pedestrians crossing the road and the volume of vehicles using it. This is to ensure that a crossing is located where there is the greatest demand.

The Minister continued:

'An assessment has identified a concentration of pedestrian movements in the vicinity of the bus stops on Main Street in Dundrum - the proposed crossing will be located between the two bus stops. Traffic Engineers are finalising the design - I expect delivery later this year.'

1. Puffin crossings are relatively new in Northern Ireland. Puffin crossings are a new type of controlled pedestrian crossing that differs from the traditional Pelican crossings by having:

• Red / green man crossing indication located in the push button beside the pedestrian rather than on the opposite carriageway
• On-crossing detectors that can extend the crossing period for slower moving pedestrians and vulnerable road users
• Kerb-side detection that can cancel the demand for a crossing period should the pedestrian move off the footpath to cross in a gap in traffic, thereby reducing vehicle delays due to crossing periods that are not required
• No flashing amber signal to drivers - they are held on a steady red signal until the crossing time has elapsed

2. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.

3. See photos from the Department for Infrastructure in our Flickr collection: https://www.flickr.com/photos/niexecutive/collections/72157669044006236/(external link opens in a new window / tab)

4. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra(external link opens in a new window / tab)

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