Minister welcomes £118m road improvement package

Minister of State John Spellar has welcomed the unveiling of a £118 million package of improvements on the A4 and A5 roads in Tyrone.

The Preferred Scheme Options include the provision of approximately 20km of dual carriageway between Dungannon and Ballygawley. In addition, two other major realignments on the A4 at Annaghilla, between Ballygawley and Augher and on the A5 at Tullyvar between Ballygawley and Aughnacloy are also planned.

Roads Service officials presented the details of the schemes to local councillors and members of the public yesterday at the Linen Green, Moygashel.

Mr Spellar said: “Dungannon and South Tyrone Borough Council and the public have been lobbying for a long time for these works, and the provision of a dual carriageway, in particular. I am delighted that Roads Service has been able to fast-track the preliminary investigations and other aspects of the scheme so that work which would normally take in the order of three years to complete has been achieved in just one.

“Their efforts are to be commended and mean that we are well on course to deliver the scheme through all the statutory procedures by Autumn 2006 and be on site early in 2007.

“These schemes are part of a £250 million private partnership road improvement package that I announced in January. When completed in 2010 they will, I am sure, prove a major boon to all road users. They also underline once again the commitment of the Roads Service to improving the roads infrastructure across Northern Ireland.”

Consultants Mouchel Parkman were appointed by the Roads Service in October 2003 to develop proposals for the project and to take it through the relevant statutory procedures.

Additional presentations to the public will take place - the dates and venues will be advertised shortly.

(SP)