Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council, the Minister said: "Despite rather unseasonal weather conditions over the past summer, work continues to progress on the A4 Dualling between Dungannon and Ballygawley and the realignments of the A4 at Annaghilla and the A5 at Tullyvar. Earthworks and drainage are now nearing completion and the carriageway surfacing work is well advanced. A number of the 23 bridge structures are almost complete with the remainder progressing well. It is anticipated that the A4 Annaghilla and A5 Tullyvar sections will be open to traffic in March 2010 and the dualling will be open to traffic late next year."
The Minister said: "Work on the the A29 Carland Bridge Realignment scheme which commenced on the ground in August was progressing well and it is anticipated that work will be completed ahead of programme, ie before December 2010.”
"The other key scheme affecting the district over the next few years will be the upgrading of the A5 Western Transport Corridor to dual carriageway status. This scheme is very important in terms of providing a safer road network and opening up the area for business opportunity. The preferred corridor was announced in July of this year and discussions with affected landowners are ongoing in advance of finalising the design and publication of draft statutory orders in late 2010."
The Minister also welcomed the commencement of the of resurfacing schemes on the A5 Omagh Road , Ballygawley at Ballymackilroy, on the A4 Dungannon Road, Ballygawley at Ballyreagh and A29 Moy Road, Dungannon at Gortmerron Road junction.
In relation to the local transport and safety measures programme the Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Pat Doherty said: "Safer Routes to Schools measures have been substantially completed in the vicinity of St Joseph’s Primary School Caledon, Windmill Integrated Primary School, Dungannon and Fivemiletown Primary School.
“Other schemes still to be completed this financial year include the provision of a pelican crossing at A45 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon , traffic calming at Gortgonis Road /Platter Hill Coalisland."
Looking to the future, Mr Doherty said: "The financial position for the next two years will depend on decisions made by the Executive. However, Roads Service is still planning improvement schemes and welcomes comments from Council on its programmes.
"Among the proposals in the Local Transport and Safety Measures Draft Programme 2010-2012 are the provision of a new Bus Terminus incorporating Park & Ride/Share facilities at Ballygawley Roundabout, a new footway at Quarry Lane Dungannon and sightline improvements at the junction of Cullenrammer Road with Carnteel Road."
Notes to editors
- All media queries to Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development Press Office, 028 9054 0372. Out of office hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.
