Murphy announces Preferred Route for Cookstown Bypass

Transport Minister Conor Murphy today announced the Preferred Route for the proposed A29 Cookstown Bypass.

The Minister said: “This project will provide significant benefits in terms of improving safety and journey times for strategic traffic particularly on the A29 between Armagh and Coleraine. It will also provide significant traffic management and environmental improvements for the town of Cookstown.

“The preferred route consists of 4.25 kms of new carriageway.  A new wide single carriageway will extend from the Dungannon Road Roundabout to the south of Cookstown over a distance of 3.95 kms to meet the Moneymore Road to the north at a proposed new roundabout.  

“Under the proposal, the existing dual carriageway between Cookstown and Moneymore will also be extended by some 300 metres to meet this new roundabout.  One further roundabout is proposed along the length of the bypass at its junction with the Cloghog Road/Clare Lane, providing convenient access to the town centre and local amenities.

“This project is part of an overall strategy to improve the Key Transport and Link Corridors across the North and demonstrates my commitment to addressing regional disparity and reversing decades of underinvestment in infrastructure west of the Bann.”

The announcement is the culmination of a thorough assessment of various route options within the preferred (eastern) corridor.  There were five route options in total and each has been assessed against the government’s five key objectives for transport: Environment; Safety; Economy; Accessibility and Integration.

The announcement of the preferred route for the new bypass means that, subject to ratification through the statutory procedures, that this proposal will supersede the route for the Cookstown Eastern Distributor Road, as indicated in the Area Plan.

The Minister added: “A public Information day is scheduled for 10 June 2010 at the South West College, Burn Road, Cookstown and I would encourage anyone with an interest in the scheme to come along and express their views on the preferred route.”

Timing of the construction of the Cookstown Bypass is dependent on satisfactory completion of the statutory procedures and the availability of finance.

Notes to editors:

1. All media queries should be directed to the Department for Regional Development Press Office on 028 9054 0817. Out of hours please contact the duty press officer via pager number 07699 715440 and your call will be returned.