Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Cookstown District Council, the minister outlined a number of schemes taking place in the area.
The minister said: "We plan to spend £1.4million on various structural road maintenance projects in the Cookstown area this year. A major resurfacing scheme to be carried out this year will be on the A29 - William Street and Oldtown Street, Cookstown.
"2007/08 has been a successful year for structural maintenance, after a strong bid by Roads Service for additional funds led to more than £17million of extra funding being allocated to this important function. The additional resources mean that around £75million has been invested in the structural maintenance of our roads last year and it is planned to spend a further £200million over the next three years. The maintenance of surfaces and underlying structures of roads and footways is essential for the social and economic well-being in all areas in the North."
Speaking at the meeting, Roads Service's Divisional Roads Manager Mr Pat Doherty said there were significant challenges to be faced.
"The Investment Strategy anticipates a large programme of trunk road improvements over the next ten years. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered. The recently published plan includes a scheme of major benefit to the Cookstown area. The Cookstown Bypass will link the A29 Dungannon and Moneymore Roads. Preliminary design is being progressed. Environmental, ecological and archaeological surveys are due to start this month and a public information day will be scheduled for late autumn this year.
“Roads Service has also noted the recent decision on the Reform of Public Administration and will be considering the revised working arrangements and structural changes that will need to be agreed and implemented by 2011. Despite these challenges, Roads Service will continue to concentrate on service delivery in the Cookstown Council Area," said Mr Doherty.
To minimise the disruption arising from any works we will also be making every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. Updated information will be available on our website and radio traffic reports.
Notes to Editors:
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