Mallon unveils preferred route for Cookstown Bypass Scheme
Date published:
Infrastructure Minister Nichola Mallon has visited Cookstown where the preferred route for the A29 Cookstown Bypass has been unveiled this week.
Details of the proposed new route have been on display at the Burnavon Arts and Cultural Centre and virtually on the Department for Infrastructure website.
During a visit to the public exhibition today Minister Mallon said:
“I am committed to delivering for all communities across Northern Ireland. Last year I announced my intention to progress a number of strategic infrastructure and flagship projects. One of these projects was the A29 Cookstown Bypass so I am delighted to be in Cookstown this week where we are unveiling the preferred route.
“The proposed route, which is approximately 4km in length, provides a significant opportunity to remove strategic traffic from the town centre of Cookstown. This will help to reduce traffic congestion, increase road safety and improve air quality.
“The current emerging design is underway and proposes a single lane carriageway with overtaking lane opportunities in both directions and new roundabouts situated at intersections with the Killymoon Road, Cloghog Road and Moneymore Road. As part of my commitment to delivering green infrastructure and providing greater opportunities for active travel, I am pleased to confirm there will also be walking and cycling provision along the entire scheme. The project also includes plans to upgrade the Sandholes Link Road including the provision of a footway/cycleway.”
Continuing Minister Mallon said:
“We will also be commissioning a separate feasibility study on how the decongestion benefits of the proposed bypass can facilitate the enhancement and reshaping of Cookstown town centre to promote sustainable travel choices, connect people and communities and create a thriving and liveable space.
“I know that not everyone will have had the opportunity to visit the public event this week so I would encourage anyone who has an interest in the scheme to visit my Department’s website where the exhibition and brochure can also be viewed virtually.”
The scheme exhibit is available at the following link: https://www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/a29-cookstown-bypass-overview
Notes to editors:
- DfI Roads hopes to be in a position to publish the Draft Orders and Environmental Impact Assessment Report (EIAR) by mid-2022 and subject to the satisfactory completion of the statutory processes, will then be in a position to make the Direction Order, which will afford the emerging preferred alignment protection.
- Delivery of the new road estimated to be between £45m to £55m and will be dependent on the successful completion of the statutory processes and the future budget availability.
- All media queries should be directed to the Department for Infrastructure Press Office at: press.office@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk.
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.
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