Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Omagh District Council, the Minister said: “The 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.”
In relation to the Local Transport and Safety Measures programme, the Minister said: "The 400 metres of road realignment of the C633 Whitebridge Road between Carrickmore and Ballygawley is progressing well. This work includes a junction improvement at Gleneeny Road.”
The Minister also welcomed the start of the resurfacing schemes on the A5 Beltany Road at Lislimnaghan and Killynure along with the completion of the resurfacing on the Gortin Road, Cookstown Road, Dromore Road, Seskinore Road, Drumnakilly Road and Whitebridge Road.
Divisional Roads Manager Pat Doherty said: “A traffic calming scheme has been completed at Lambrook Road in Omagh and a Collision Remedial Scheme has recently commenced at Arleston Road/Killyclogher Road, Omagh. Safer Routes to Schools measures have also been substantially complete in the vicinity of St Davogs Primary School, Scraghy.
“Other schemes still to be completed this financial year include the provision of footways a Tullyneill Road Sixmilecross and at Castlederg Road Drumquin. In addition the footway between Brookmount Road and the Derry Road parallel to the Great Northern Road in Omagh is to be upgraded to accommodate cyclists."
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 welcome comments from Council on its programmes."
Among the schemes being considered within the Draft Programme are the provision of a right turn lane at Creggan Crossroads on the A505 Cookstown Road, a left slip lane on Hospital Road Omagh at the Swinging Bars Roundabout and the provision of a new pedestrian footbridge adjacent to King James Bridge at Irishtown Road Omagh.
Notes to editors
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