Speaking ahead of this evening's meeting between Roads Service and Omagh District Council, the Minister outlined a number of major and minor schemes taking place in the area. The Minister said the biggest challenge to Roads Service to date was the delivery of the A5 Dualling Project announced last year. "A series of public information days have been held in Ballygawley, Omagh, Strabane and Derry. Views gathered from these public information days will be used to select the preferred route corridor which we would hope to announce before the end of the year."
Mr Murphy was also pleased to announce the start of work on the A4 dualling, the A5 Annaghilla 2+1 and the A5 Tullyvar Road.
He said: "2007/08 has been a successful year for structural maintence, 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.
"We plan to spend £2.8million on various road maintenance projects in the Omagh area this year. A major resurfacing scheme to be carried out this year will be on the A5 along the frontage of the Mellon Country Inn."
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, with investment totalling £3.1billion. Roads Service is currently considering how this work will be programmed and delivered.
"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 scheme delivery in Omagh Council Area.
"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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