The A31 Magherafelt Bypass scheme has this week moved a step closer to getting underway.

NI Transport Minister, Conor Murphy, announced on Monday his decision to proceed with the making of the statutory orders for the £36million scheme.

"Having considered the Inspector's Report into the Public Inquiry held in April/May of last year, and all the representations made, I have tasked Roads Service with progressing the Direction Order for the scheme, taking into account the Inspector's conclusions and recommendations.

"This step will confirm the line of the new road in legislation," he explained.

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The Minister added: "This is a significant milestone on this major project which, when delivered will result in a more efficient, safe, attractive and reliable route for north-south traffic on the west side of Lough Neagh, whilst providing considerable relief to traffic congestion in Magherafelt town centre."

However, he cautioned on the cost of the new road scheme and said that the timing of the making of the vesting order, whereby the lands required for construction of the new road are acquired by the Department, and construction of the works, "will be dependent on the normal budgetary process".

The proposed bypass is 5.9 kilometres in length and will be a combination of 'two-plus-one' and wide single all-purpose carriageway.

It will take a route to the east of the town, commencing at the existing A31 Moneymore Road at its junction with the Coolshinney Road to the south, and linking to the A6 at the existing Castledawson Roundabout to the north.

The proposal includes the provision of three new roundabouts where it meets with the Moneymore, Ballyronan and Aughrim Roads.

(BMcC/KMcA)