Big yellow box junction in Maghera set to be reviewed

An extra-large yellow box junction which stunned people in Maghera could be reduced in size.

A review of the scale of the yellow markings at a junction in the County Londonderry town is to take place.

Maghera, with its population of fewer than 5,000 people, has been dubbed “the small town with the big yellow box”, since the road paint appeared a week ago.

It stretches more than 40m along a busy junction frequently used by buses and lorries as well as cars.

In a statement to BBC News NI, the Department for Infrastructure confirmed that officials intend to look again at 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.”

The scheme, which began last year, is expected to be completed next month.

As well as installing new street furniture and widening footpaths, the project has tried to tackle traffic flow issues.

Last week, Melissa Caskey, who works in an office which overlooks the new yellow box, called it “ridiculous” and appealed for it to be reduced in size.

Barney Regan, who runs a bar nearby, said he hoped it might become a tourist attraction.

While there has been criticism of the size of the yellow box, there is a general recognition in the town that traffic flow needs to be improved.