The frequency of traffic ‘bottlenecks’ in the village of Moneymore at peak times has united the people in a campaign to press for a bypass.

Traffic jams in the centre of Moneymore leading to long queues on the Magherafelt and Cookstown Roads in the mornings and afternoons look set to increase if action is not taken.

Concerns are further heightened that the traffic problem will only get worse once the £70m Cookstown Bypass is completed in 2028.

Reports have indicated that when the Cookstown Bypass opens, traffic through Moneymore could increase by 4-5%, leading to even longer journey times.

The vast majority of people in Moneymore would like a bypass built to ease congestion in the village particularly at peaks times of the day. Credit: Google

placeholder image — The vast majority of people in Moneymore would like a bypass built to ease congestion in the village particularly at peaks times of the day. Credit: Google

Ryan O'Neill from Moneymore Community Forum, says the vast majority of people in the village are in favour of a bypass.

Mr O'Neill who is also Chair of Mid Ulster SDLP Branch, recently met with representatives from the Department for Infrastructure (DFI).

He pointed out that a protected route for a future western bypass of Moneymore is already included in the Mid Ulster Area Plan.

He said he has been liaising with Ulster Unionist Party representative Jay Basra who has been vocal in the need for a comprehensive transport strategy that would address traffic issues along the A29, including a bypass at Moneymore.

A29 Bypasses being considered in next Transport Plan

The DFI said they are currently developing a Regional Strategic Transport Plan (RSTP) which will set out investment priorities for the strategic road network for the next ten years.

A spokesperson said: "As part of this process, strategic transport schemes are being reviewed and prioritised in alignment with the objectives of the new RSTP.

“The Plan is at the long listing stage where all potential strategic transport schemes including a Bypass of Moneymore are being currently sifted against the Plans objectives. At this stage, no decisions have been made in relation to the Plan.

"Once analysis has been completed, the Plan will be launched for public consultation, providing stakeholders and members of the public an opportunity to comment on the draft proposals. This consultation is currently scheduled for Spring 2026.”

Mr O'Neill said he looked forward to the draft proposals, but stressed it was important for villagers to be united in their campaign for a bypass.

He added that a bypass route has already been identified and it could be updated and used to prevent Moneymore becoming a permanent bottleneck.