Spellar Welcomes Ł118 Million Road Improvement Scheme

30 November 2004
SPELLAR WELCOMES Ł118 MILLION ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME
Minister of State, John Spellar MP, today welcomed the unveiling of the Preferred Scheme Options for a Ł118 million package of improvements on the A4 and A5 roads in Tyrone.

The schemes include the provision of approximately 20km of dual carriageway between Dungannon and Ballygawley. In addition 2 other major realignments on the A4 at Annaghilla, between Ballygawley and Augher and on the A5 at Tullyvar between Ballygawley and Aughnacloy are also planned.

The details of the schemes were presented to local councillors and members of the public by Roads Service officials at the Linen Green, Moygashel, today (Tuesday).

Commenting on the schemes Mr Spellar said:

"Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and the public have been lobbying for a long time for these works, and the provision of a dual carriageway, in particular. I am delighted that Roads Service has been able to fast-track the preliminary investigations and other aspects of the scheme so that work which would normally take in the order of three years to complete has been achieved in just one.

"Their efforts are to be commended and mean that we are well on course to deliver the scheme through all the statutory procedures by Autumn 2006 and be on site early in 2007.

"These schemes are part of a Ł250 million private partnership road improvement package that I announced in January. When completed in 2010 they will, I am sure, prove a major boon to all road users. They also underline once again the commitment of the Roads Service to improving the roads infrastructure across Northern Ireland."

Consultants Mouchel Parkman were appointed by the Roads Service in October 2003 to develop proposals for the project and to take it through the relevant statutory procedures.

Additional presentations to the public are taking place at alternative venues, the dates and times as advertised in the local press.

NOTES TO EDITORS:

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