Roads Service reports on £4.9 million schemes in Strabane

Speaking ahead of this evening’s meeting between Roads Service and Strabane District Council, the Minister said: “Last year’s budget for structural maintenance and local transport and safety measures allowed a good range of such schemes to be successfully delivered by Roads Service.

“Roads Service’s budgets for road maintenance and improvement schemes are greatly reduced this year, in line with the four year budget agreed by the Executive. However, Roads Service is using its available resources effectively and continuing to deliver quality public services,” said Danny Kennedy.

The Minister welcomed the Executive’s agreement on the 14 February 2012 to take forward two sections of the A5 dual carriageway between Londonderry and Strabane and Omagh and Ballygawley. He said that construction work would commence later this year, subject to the outcome of the public enquiries held last year.

The Minister also welcomed Roads Service’s proposed programme for the year ahead including further roll out of the Safer Routes to School Programme to include schools on the Melmount Road.

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager Pat Doherty welcomed last year’s record expenditure on structural maintenance which allowed Roads Service to deliver many much needed projects. Over 44 kilometres of resurfacing was completed in the Council area including large sections of the A5 at Newtownstewart Bypass.

Road improvement schemes delivered last year included a right turning lane and footway extension at Brookvale, Melmount Road, carriageway widening and a footway at Mason Road Magheramason, traffic calming in Killen, road safety measures at Castlederg High School and a Puffin Crossing at Main Street in Castlederg. There was also restoration work carried out on Victoria Bridge.