Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Magherafelt District Council, the Minister said: “One of the key schemes affecting the district over the next few years will be the A6 Randalstown to Castledawson Dualling Scheme. Roads Service has published statements setting out its decision on the Inspector’s reports on the public inquires held in November 2007 to examine the Environmental Statements, Direction Orders and Vesting Orders prepared for the dualling scheme.
"Exhibitions were held in Toome and Castledawson to explain the revised junction proposals associated with the decision. Staff from Roads Service and their advisors were available to answer any questions from the public. Roads Service would expect the planning of the revised junction improvements to be complete in late 2010. Availability of finance at that time will determine when the scheme will be built.”
Speaking on the other key scheme affecting the district, the Minister said: “Development of the proposed A31 Magherafelt Bypass continues to progress. Roads Service is now in receipt of the Inspector's Report from the Public Inquiry held in April/May of this year. His recommendations are currently being considered and it is anticipated that the Department’s decision on the way forward, taking into consideration the outcome of the Public Inquiry and the Inspector’s recommendations, will be published in April/May of next year. The Inspector’s Report cannot be released into the public domain in advance of this publication. “
In relation to the local transport and safety measures programme, Mr Murphy said: “The construction of the extension to the Park and Share site at Castledawson Roundabout has started. This scheme will see the capacity of the existing facility expanded and the relocation of existing bus stops from the A6 Glenshane Road to within the car park. The scheme will be completed early in the new year.”
The Minister also welcomed that commencement of the resurfacing schemes on the A54 Main Street, Bellaghy and the B40 Desertmartin Road, Magherafelt along with the completion of the resurfacing on sections of the A29 Moneymore Road, Desertmartin, A31 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt, A54 Mayogall Road, Clady, B160 Ballyronan Road, Magherafelt, Mulderg Road, Loup, Lurganagoose Road, Curran, Quarry Road, Gulladuff, and Ballyheifer Road, Magherafelt.
The Divisional Roads Manager, Mr Pat Doherty said: “The footway at Craigadick Road between Milltown Bridge and Maghera has been completed, the construction of a footway at Coolshinny Road Magherafelt is underway and the sight line improvements at Ballyscullion Lane / Ballynease Road has recently started. The sight line improvement at Crew Road / Ballymacilcurr Road is scheduled to be complete by the end of the financial year. A pelican crossing has been completed at Main Street, Castledawson and a collision remedial scheme has recently been completed at Aughrim Road/Creagh Road. Safer Routes to Schools measures have also been substantially complete in the vicinity of St John Bosco School, Bellaghy.”
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 Councils on its programmes. "
Among the proposals in the Local Transport and Safety Measures Draft Programme 2010-2012 are the provision of a new cycle path at Castledawson Road Magherafelt, a right turn lane at Ballyronan Road / Ballymulligan Road Crossroads and sightline improvements at the Aughrim Road / Gracefield Road junction.
Notes to editors
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