Strabane Road Works Welcomed

Despite reduced spending overall, a continuing programme of road repair and construction in border areas of Co Tyrone have been welcomed.

NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy (pictured) has welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £3.2 million for structural road maintenance in the Strabane District Council area this year.

"A range of local schemes has been delivered successfully by Roads Service in the past year," said the Minister.

"While the tightening public expenditure environment in the year ahead will be challenging, Roads Service remains committed to ensure it can make best use of our resources and continue to deliver quality public services."

The Minister noted the ongoing work on the dualling of the A5 Western Transport Corridor. He said: "Development of the project was continuing and that it was on schedule for the publication of the Draft Statutory Orders and Environmental Statement in the autumn of this year."

Improvement Schemes carried out in 2009/10 included the provision of a verge on the A5 at Bready corner, the replacement of Taboe Bridge near Donemana and Strahulter Bridge Newtownstewart, forward sight distance improvement at Longland Road Donemana, new footways at Church Road Drumlegagh, a pedestrian crossing at Railway Street, Strabane, and Traffic Calming in the Castletown area of Strabane.

Significant progress was also made on the realignment of the Berryhill Road near Artigarvan.

In total 42 kilometres of carriageway were resurfaced, the most significant scheme being the A5 Mulvin Road, south of Victoria Bridge.

Another major 1.7 km of resurfacing will be carried out this year on this scheme.

Roads Service also presented the Council with a programme for local transport and safety measures, which is currently being developed for the area.

These projects, which include provision of zebra crossings and pedestrian refuge island at Abercorn Square, Strabane and speed control measures at Victoria Bridge, will be delivered as resources permit.

(NS/GK)