Statutory Orders proceed for A31 Magherafelt Bypass

Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, today announced his decision to proceed with the making of the statutory orders for the £36million A31 Magherafelt Bypass scheme.

The Minister said: "Having considered the Inspector’s Report into the Public Inquiry held in April/May of last year, and all the representations made, I have tasked Roads Service with progressing the Direction Order for the scheme, taking into account the Inspector’s conclusions and recommendations. This step will confirm the line of the new road in legislation.

The Minister added: "This is a significant milestone on this major project which, when delivered will result in a more efficient, safe, attractive and reliable route for north-south traffic on the west side of Lough Neagh, whilst providing considerable relief to traffic congestion in Magherafelt town centre.

"The bypass will contribute towards the continued economic development of the Magherafelt District Council area and the North as a whole."

The timing of the making of the vesting order, whereby the lands required for construction of the new road are acquired by the Department, and construction of the works, will be dependent on the normal budgetary process.

Notes to editors:

1. The proposed bypass is 5.9 kilometres in length and will be a combination of 2+1 and wide single all-purpose carriageway. It takes a route to the east of the town, commencing at the existing A31 Moneymore Road at its junction with the Coolshinney Road to the south, and linking to the A6 at the existing Castledawson Roundabout to the north. It includes for the provision of three new roundabouts where it meets with the Moneymore, Ballyronan and Aughrim Roads.
2. The A31 is a trunk road connecting Moneymore via Magherafelt to the North-Western Key Transport Corridor at Castledawson. The North-Western Key Transport Corridor connects the Belfast Metropolitan Area to Derry and provides access to and from Belfast International Airport. This is one of the five Key Transport Corridors identified for improvement through the Regional Development Strategy to enhance accessibility for the region.
3. All media queries to Department for Regional Development Press Office, Tel 028 9054 0817. Out of office hours please contact the Daily Press Office via pager number 07699 715 440 and your call will be returned.