Roads Service Invests Ł3.7 Million In Magherafelt

8 August 2006
ROADS SERVICE INVESTS Ł3.7 MILLION IN MAGHERAFELT

Capital and maintenance investment totalling Ł3.7 million is planned for Magherafelt in the year ahead.
Speaking to Magherafelt District Council, Divisional Roads Manager Mr Pat Doherty said: "The schemes which will be taken forward in 2006/07 include:

the commencement of a scheme to replace Lisnamuck Bridge on the B42 near Tobermore;

traffic signals and pedestrian crossing facilities at Hall Street/Coleraine Road junction, Maghera;

sightline improvements on the A29 Moneymore Road at its junction with Curr Road near Desertmartin and on B75 Kilrea Road at its junction with Macknagh Lane near Upperlands; and

resurfacing schemes at Queen Street in Magherafelt, Craigadick Park, Maghera and part of Deerpark Road near Bellaghy."

Mr Doherty also took the opportunity to highlight some of the schemes completed in 2005/06 including:

A 2+1 scheme costing Ł550,000 was completed on the A6 at Mullagh near Maghera and complements the 2+1 schemes at the Castledawson Roundabout and Curran, constructed in previous years;

Completed improvements works also included a road realignment scheme on the C560 Aughrim Road, Magherafelt

Carriageway improvements and footway provision at C554 Altayeskey Road, Draperstown; and

Resurfacing schemes on the A29 Tobermore Road, Desertmartin, the A29 Maghera Road junction in the centre of Tobermore and the A6 Castledawson Bypass at the Annaghmore Road junction.

"Most road users appreciate that making these improvements can't be done without some disruption to traffic. Roads Service however makes every effort to keep disruption to a minimum by completing as many major schemes as possible during the summer months when there is generally less traffic and contractors can take advantage of daylight hours and, where possible, by avoiding peak traffic times,'' said Mr Doherty.
"Roads Service makes every effort to give motorists advance warning of roadworks through signage and information prior to works. Updated information is provided on our website and radio traffic reports,'' he said.
Mr Doherty said In the last three years a total of some Ł735 million has been spent on developing and maintaining the road network in Northern Ireland - some Ł495 million on revenue activities including maintenance with a further some Ł240 million on capital. Over the next 10 years the draft ISNI envisages that some Ł1.9 billion will be invested in road building subject to the availability of resources in future budget rounds, economic appraisal and statutory approvals. Some Ł166 million has also been allocated to Roads Structural Maintenance in the three years to 2007/08. When assessing figures for any year it is important to see these figures over a cycle. Safety is always and will remain the top priority.
Mr Doherty assured Council that the spend on defect repairs, street lighting, grass cutting, winter service and other safety related activities in the Magherafelt area would be maintained at present levels.
Mr Doherty also reported on two major strategic road Improvement schemes planned for the district. The 12 kilometres long A6 dualling scheme between the M2 and Castledawson roundabout project being is nearing Draft Statutory Orders stage. The Environmental Statement, Direction Order and Notice of Intention to make a Vesting Order are currently being prepared and it is hoped to publish them by December 2006.
Mr Doherty also confirmed that consultants had been appointed to take forward the A31 Magherafelt By Pass project. The three kilometres long scheme will link the Moneymore Road to the Castledawson Road at an estimated cost of Ł13 million.
The Council was also informed that the Department for Regional Development will be taking over the current PSNI responsibilities for parking enforcement this autumn.
Councillors were reminded of the decision, following the Review of Public Administration, that the responsibility for the maintenance, management and development of local roads will transfer to the seven new local authorities in Spring 2009. The local road network consists of all roads except motorways and trunk roads and comprises about 23,700 km of the 25,000 km of public roads throughout Northern Ireland.
Mr Doherty said Roads Service is currently assessing the implications of this decision and identifying how it can help to facilitate the smooth transfer of local roads responsibilities. The associated financial, staff and other resource consequences will require careful consideration.
Media queries to: Paddy Cullen or Emma Flynn Davies, Department for Regional Development, Press Office, Tel: 028 9054 0007.

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