Write a commentThe loss of her boyfriend in a road traffic collision on the A1 earlier this year has spurred on Ballyholland woman Ciara Sands to launch a petition to the Department for Infrastructure calling for road improvements now and not in years to come.
You Can Sign the petition at www.change.org
Ciara is also asking people to share their stories of the dangers of the road.
The petition asks for completion of A1 Road improvements before anyone else loses their lives on the notoriously dangerous dual carriageway between Newry and Sprucefield.
Ciara was the girlfriend of Karl Heaney who died in a RTC on the road in May of this year.
The Road has long been a black spot for road deaths. There are many central reservation areas where vehicles cross as well as many junctions onto the road with the option of crossing the central reservation. Since Karl died two people also were killed on the road in October.
The petition reads "On the 23rd May 2018 Karl Heaney was killed in a RTC along the A1 dual carriageway between Banbridge and Dromore. Karl was a beloved son, brother, boyfriend and uncle. But more than that he was innocent. Actions of certain individuals led to Karl's death that night but upon researching the road we discovered plans to upgrade the A1 have been developed but not implemented. These plans first began to form in 2007. The proposed development was published in 2011 with 8 stages with the 7th stage being the beginning of construction. We are coming to the end of 2018 now and these plans are still only at stage 3. This is not good enough."
It continues "This road is one of the most dangerous roads in Northern Ireland. It is the main road between Newry and Belfast and is the link road between Belfast and Dublin. Therefore we believe it should be top priority."
Ciara is asking people to share their stories of the road and it's dangers and by doing so highlighting the need for change.
"Let's show the Department of Infrastructure and Stormont that we want answers and results now not in another 10 years time! The time to act is now. How many must die for them to listen to us?!"
The Petition has already over 2500 signatures.
Please Sign the petition at www.change.org
