Maghera's extra-large yellow box junction reduced in size
The markings were installed in June in an effort to improve traffic flow on the busy road by keeping the junction clear however it had become an unlikely tourist attraction
A 40 metre long yellow box junction which was installed in Maghera just last month has been reduced in size.
On Thursday evening workers from two separate companies moved into Tobermore Road to burn off part of the extra-large box, thought to have been among ‘the biggest in the UK and Ireland’.
The markings were installed in June in an effort to improve traffic flow on the busy road by keeping the junction clear.
However many locals were surprised to discover the size of the box, which some believed was 'too big' and caused further traffic delays.
Last week the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that officials intended to review the size of the yellow box.
A spokesperson said: "The department implemented the yellow box markings at this location to assist with the ease of Translink bus movements to and from the main bus stop, which has recently been relocated to the opposite side of St Lurach's Road.
"The extent of the markings will be reviewed prior to full completion of the Maghera Public Realm Scheme."
Some drivers are delighted with the news that the junction has now been cut down to size while others have questioned how much money the Department for Infrastructure have spent.
“Money down the toilet! Whole thing is stupid. No right turn is all it needs, left turn only,” one local wrote on Facebook.
Another said: “Imagine who made this decision in the first place and their rationale behind it … this is rate / tax payers money and someone needs to be held accountable… they would be if it was a private company so why not when it’s a government body … is this typical of how they spend OUR money?”
A Department for Infrastructure spokesperson said: "Following discussions with the local Council the Department has now reduced the size of the yellow box in Maghera."