Reopening date for Co Tyrone road welcomed as closure has hit small businesses
The closure of a Co Tyrone road has caused major inconvenience to the local community impacted on many small businesses in the area, according to SDLP councillor Karl McQuaide.
A section of the Maydown Road, Benburb, was closed following the partial collapse of a retaining wall of Maydown Bridge and section of carriageway during Storm Amy back in October.
Councillor McQuade said he welcomed official confirmation of the expected date for the re-opening of the road.
He said the Roads Minister in an Assembly written answer to Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone confirmed that the road is expected to reopen to traffic by mid-March.
“It has been some time since Storm Amy, and the work began on the necessary repairs,” he continued. “The long delay has caused major inconvenience to the local community and impacted on many small businesses in the area.
“Two local businesses have closed in last few weeks and two more have announced that they will close due to the road closure.
“Traffic diversions remain in place for the time being, and I would ask the public to continue to drive with care and allow extra time for their journeys until these are lifted.
“Along with my colleague, Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone, I will continue to work with the Department and the local community to ensure the repairs are completed as quickly as possible.”
Back in October, the Department said it was closed for public safety and they fully appreciated the impact of the closure and apologised to the local community, including businesses in the area, and all road users for the inconvenience caused.