NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy has welcomed the successful completion of Roads Service's 2009/2010 programme of works and the planned £2.4million for structural road maintenance in the Magherafelt District Council area this year.

Speaking ahead of a meeting between Roads Service and Magherafelt District Council, the Minister said: "A range of local schemes has been delivered successfully by Roads Service in the past year. 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."

Referring to the proposed Magherafelt By-pass the Minister said: "Roads Service is currently considering the Inspector’s Report on the Public Inquiry held in 2009 and I expect the Departmental Statement to be published in the coming months."

The Minister also commented on the A6 dualling between Randalstown and Castledawson Roundabout. He said: "Roads Service is currently re-examining the proposals at Drumderg Roundabout east of Toome and the connection from the dual carriageway to Annaghmore Road and Bellshill Road at Castledawson."

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Timing of construction is dependent on satisfactory progression through the procurement process and the availability of finance.

Other schemes which were carried out in the year include the extension to the existing car park and provision of a new bus facility at Castledawson Roundabout, new footways at Craigadick Road, Maghera, Coolsinney Road Magherafelt, Brough Road Castledawson and at Moneyneany, Traffic calming measures have also been introduced at Castledawson and Upperlands.

In total, 13 kilometres of carriageway were resurfaced, the most significant schemes being the A29 Moneymore Road, Desertmartin at Ballymacpherson, the A31 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt from Coolshinney Road to Queen’s Avenue and the A29 Moneysharvin Road, Maghera.

Speaking at the meeting, Divisional Roads Manager, Pat Doherty welcomed the continued investment in road maintenance, which is helping to rectify the damage caused by the severe conditions last winter. He said: "Two major trunk road resurfacing schemes planned for this year will be 1km of the A29 Desertmartin Road, Tobermore and 1km of the A31 Moneymore Road, Magherafelt.

"Work has recently started on the replacement of Mill Engines Bridge in Upperlands and I welcome the ongoing cooperation of the residents of the area while this important work is in progress. A traffic diversion is currently in place and a temporary footbridge has been placed to minimise disruption for pedestrians."

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 traffic calming in the Queens Avenue area of Magherafelt and a right turning lane at the junction of Ballyronan Road and Ballymaguigan Road, Magherafelt will be delivered as resources permit.

(NS/BMcc)