Stormont Transport Minister Conor Murphy has lauded the progress on a £3.5m investment scheme in the Magherafelt area this year, and provided an update on the A6 dualling project and Magherafelt Bypass.

The Minister said: "The A6 dualling from Randalstown via the Toome Bypass to Castledawson Roundabout is part of a programme of strategic road improvements being implemented to improve the environment by providing bypasses to some towns and to remove bottlenecks on the key road network."

Mr Murphy said Roads Service and its consultants are considering a number of junction options with vesting of land for the scheme anticipated during 2009 and construction following in 2011.

The Minister said Roads Service is continuing to make progress with the design of the A31 Magherafelt Bypass.

"The route of the bypass is to the east of Magherafelt with an overall length of 5.8 km. Public consultation took place during 2008 and a number of objections were received. If these objections cannot be resolved a Public Inquiry for the scheme will be held in 2009.

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"Schemes which have been completed this financial year include resurfacing work at A29 Moneymore Road, Desertmartin and C558 Curran Road, Castledawson along with sightline improvements at U5083/C557 Rocktown Lane at junction with Hillhead Road, Knockcloghrim, extension of existing Park and Share at A6 Glenshane Road at Craigadick and vertical realignment at Hall Lane, Gulladuff."

Road Service's Divisional Roads Manager Pat Doherty welcomed the continued investment in local transport and safety measures in the Magherafelt District Council area.

Mr Doherty said: "Other schemes that will be taken forward in the current financial year include sightline improvements at C549/U5030 Crew Road at junction with Ballymacilcurr Road, Culnady and C546/U5096 Ballyscullion Lane junction with Ballynease Road, Bellaghy and also the provision of a footway at U5176 Coolshinney Road Magherafelt.

"The Roads Service report also contained the draft capital programme for 2009-2011. New schemes include providing a right turning lane at A6/U5041 Glenshane Road at junction with Ranaghan Road and 650m of shared footway/cycle track on A29 Moneymore Road from Ballymoghan Road to tie into existing shared footway/cycle track in Magherafelt and also a sightline improvement at U5186/B42 Grange Lane at junction with Grange Road," he added.

(PR/JM)