Council gets update on infrastructure projects for Mid Ulster area

Mid Ulster Council members have been updated on programmed infrastructure works for the area by the Department for Infrastructure.

Speaking as he addressed council members this evening, Divisional Roads Manager, Conor Loughrey said:

“At a strategic level the A6 is a key scheme which will significantly benefit the Mid-Ulster area. Construction works have commenced on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling scheme which will provide approximately 14.7 kilometres of new dual carriageway with 7.3 kilometres between Randalstown and Toome and 7.4 kilometres between Toome and Castledawson.  It will not only reduce journey times but also improve safety for 18,000 daily users and benefit local communities by reducing traffic on local roads.

“At a local level, the Mid Ulster Council area will see the commencement of a number of Local Transport and Safety Measure schemes. These will include a right turning lane on the A4 Ballagh Road close to Fivemiletown, a new puffin crossing on Ballyronan Road in Magherafelt and a new footway on the Coalisland Road in Stewartstown.

“A number of resurfacing projects are also planned to commence shortly including A29 Moneysharvan Road, Swatragh and B43 Pomeroy Road, Donaghmore.

“In relation to routine maintenance, the indicative budget outlined by the Secretary of State in April does mean that there are likely to be knock-on impacts for services including routine maintenance of the road network and in this area, the Department will be reliant on additional resource funding becoming available. We understand the implications of the limited service and its long term impacts on the network and are doing our best to deliver routine maintenance services within the allocated budget.

“The Department’s objective is to continue to deliver routine road maintenance services at the current level for as long as possible. While services will be constrained, we are planning to meet all essential public safety requirements.” 

Concluding, Conor Loughrey said: 

“It is also worth noting other projects in the Mid Ulster area recently completed, including the £35 million A31 Magherafelt Bypass which opened to traffic in October last year, the extension to the Park and Share at Castledawson Roundabout and a bridge extension scheme on Milltown Bridge on Craigadick Road, Maghera. Significant Street lighting renewal schemes were also completed in Granville Industrial Estate and Dungannon Road Aughnacloy. This investment will bring significant benefits to everyone in the Mid-Ulster area for decades to come.”

Notes to editors: 

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office on 028 9054 0007 or e-mail: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk
2. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07623 974 383 and your call will be returned.
3. Follow the Department on Twitter @deptinfra

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