Hazzard – Over £18 million invested on road schemes in Mid-Ulster

Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard has confirmed an investment of £18.8 million on road schemes in the Mid-Ulster Council area during the 2015/16 financial year.

Minister Hazzard said:

“This investment will bring significant benefits to everyone in the Mid-Ulster area for decades to come. 

“Work continues on the £35 million A31 Magherafelt Bypass and the scheme is on target to open later this year. Completion of this project will provide significant benefits not only to through traffic but also to the many residents and businesses within Magherafelt.

“Work on the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson dualling project continues to progress with the intention that the scheme will commence in autumn 2016 and completion in 2020.  

“The A5 Western Transport Corridor will also provide benefit to the Mid Ulster area.  In February 2016, a new Environmental Statement and draft Orders were published for the project. A Public Inquiry has been programmed for autumn 2016 and, subject to the successful completion of all the statutory procedures, it is hoped that construction can commence in late 2017 on Phase 1A (between New Buildings and north of Strabane) in line with the ‘Fresh Start’ Agreement. However I am currently looking at options to maximise delivery of the A5 project within the current mandate.”

 "Looking ahead, my Department will continue work on this scheme and others to improve the rural roads network, alongside other maintenance activities including grass verge cutting and defect repairs.

The Minister continued:

“Earlier this week, I announced a £10 million investment to improve the condition of 1,000 rural roads.  This package will help to stop deterioration and repair severe defects on the local road network. In addition, £5million pounds will go towards roads maintenance work including an additional grass cutting per year.

“In addition, the majority of potholes will now be repaired (those greater than 50mm on rural low trafficked roads and greater than 20mm elsewhere) and the renewal of road markings will be accelerated.

“An additional gully clean will also be programmed in all urban areas and the repair of street lighting outages will continue into the autumn.”

“The Department is currently considering areas in greatest need and will draw up programmes to enable work to start as soon as possible.”

Speaking at the Council meeting, TransportNI Western Division Manager Conor Loughrey highlighted a number of other improvement and maintenance schemes completed during 2015/16 including a £2.5 million investment in a resurfacing programme of 31km of carriageway in the area.

Notes to editors: 

Media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure press office on 028 9054 0007. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 076 9971 5440 and your call will be returned.

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